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Incident
Lieutenant Cabral was killed when his patrol vehicle was struck head-on by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver.
He was on patrol in his police SUV when the collision occurred in the westbound lanes of Route 6 at approximately 0045 hours. Lieutenant Cabral died as a result of his injuries.
The driver of the other car was arrested and charged with drunken driving resulting in motor vehicle homicide, operating negligently, and failure to stay in marked lanes. On June 4th, 2007, he plead guilty to manslaughter under the influence of alcohol and on June 26th, 2007, he was sentenced to serve five to seven years.
Lieutenant Cabral, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, had served with the Swansea Police Department for 26 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his two children, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
26 years. You could have gone home.
Lieutenant Cabral gave the Swansea Police Department 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Swansea community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Cabral.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Swansea Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 2005, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2005, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 52. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Robert had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Robert was 52. 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 had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.5% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Swansea Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 3% 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; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Swansea Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Swansea Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
