National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Patrolman

Memorial Panel: 25-W: 15

Department: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, P.D.

End of Watch: March 21, 1961

Cause: SHOT

Age: 24

Years of Service: 1

Description: Patrolman Douglas Crittendon and Sergeant Herbert Goss were shot as they attempted to arrest three fugitives who had escaped from jail two weeks earlier. Sergeant Goss was shot when he approached the vehicle and died at the scene. Patrolman Crittendon was shot in the abdomen and died 11 days later of his injuries. The three suspects were apprehended and charged with first degree murder.