Police Officer John Whiteoak Buckley

Police Officer John Whiteoak Buckley | Arlington County Police Department, Virginia
Arlington County Police Department, Virginia
Police Officer John Whiteoak Buckley

Arlington County Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, April 15, 1977

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John Whiteoak Buckley

Police Officer John Buckley was shot and killed while responding to a bank robbery at the intersection of South Glebe Road and Columbia Pike at 3:30 pm.

He was en route home following traffic court when the robbery call was broadcast. He was the first unit on scene and was walking up the steps to the bank lobby when a suspect exited. He was attempting to take the man into custody when a second subject approached him from behind and fatally shot him.

The getaway driver was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison. The subject who shot him was never apprehended.

Officer Buckley had served with the Arlington County Police Department for almost five years. He was survived by his expectant wife.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Never apprehended
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I had just joined the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office a few days after this incident. I’m amazed they never caught the guy. I remember hearing they knew who the murderer was, the Department just didn’t have enough information to prosecute him. Maybe cold case needs to take another look.

Sgt. D. E. Luke
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

April 1, 2024

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