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Incident
Officer Yates died of wounds he received when he was shot by a suspect he had attempted to question.
Officer Yates was on patrol when he observed a suspicious man near the train depot. When Officer Yates attempted to question the man, he refused to cooperate and drew a gun. The suspect fled on foot and Officer Yates pursued him.
A guard at a stockade, two local residents, and two bloodhounds assisted Officer Yates in the chase. The suspect fled into a swamp, with Officer Yates and the civilians in pursuit. The two bloodhounds were sent in after the suspect, but he shot and killed them.
Officer Yates and the civilians then entered the swamp. As they searched for the suspect, the suspect emerged from behind a tree and opened fire, striking Officer Yates and the stockade guard.
Officer Yates was paralyzed by the shot. He died just over a month later from his wounds. The stockade guard recovered from his wounds.
The suspect was apprehended the day after the incident and charged with murder. He was subsequently sentenced to one year.
Officer Yates had served with the Plant City Police Department for several months, and was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Survivors
Officer Yates had served with the Plant City Police Department for several months, and was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Yates served with the Plant City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Plant City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Yates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Plant City Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1911, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 22. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
Robert was 22. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 9.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Plant City Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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