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Incident
Sergeant David Butchart was struck and killed by a hit-and-run vehicle while searching for an 8-year-old boy who had been abducted. The boy was sleeping in the back of his parent's car when it was stolen. As Sergeant Butchart was searching cars in the Duluth suburb of Gary he was struck and fatally injured. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Sergeant Butchart had served with the Duluth Police Department for 34 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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34 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Butchart gave the Duluth Police Department 34 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Duluth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Butchart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Duluth Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
David is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 1 officer at Duluth Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1933, 3 officers in MN were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 71. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Duluth Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 54; the middle age was 34. David had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 24 years.
David was 71. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. David had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
David was 71. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 71. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 14.3% of these deaths at Duluth Police Department; January holds the most, 28.6%. Saturdays: 14.3%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Saturdays: 18.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Duluth Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Duluth Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Duluth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
