Harold Louis Vitale
1985
Harold Louis Vitale served the U.S. Army for 3 years. Harold served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Officer Vitale was killed after being intentionally dragged by a vehicle. He had pulled the vehicle over for a traffic violation but had learned that the driver was wanted for another crime. When he attempted to arrest the man, the suspect rolled Officer Vitale's arm up in the window and drove away, dragging Officer Vitale at speeds up to 40 mph and knocking him into street signs. Several passengers in the vehicle attempted to make the man stop but were unsuccessful. The suspect was apprehended but acquitted of murder and instead convicted of vehicular manslaughter. The judge sentenced the suspect to a maximum of 18 to 20 years, but the suspect was released on parole after only ten years. Officer Vitale had served with the Saugus Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, five brothers, and two sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1963 – 1966
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Saugus Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpt5nc1xkhe9v14g15s7
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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