Officer George Clifford Burnette, III

Officer George Clifford Burnette, III

East Point Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Saturday, July 16, 1966

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George Clifford Burnette, III

Officer George Burnette was shot and killed by the suspect who had murdered Officer Johnny Puckett Sr., of the DeKalb County Police Department, the previous day.

He and his partner Officer Burnette had stopped the suspect's vehicle on Central Avenue, near Cleveland Avenue, for a traffic violation. As they approached the car the man exited the vehicle and held them both at gunpoint. He ordered them to walk onto the sidewalk and then suddenly shot Officer Burnette in the chest. The other officer jumped into a railway cut to seek cover.

The subject was committed to a state mental hospital but was discharged after only 10 years.

Officer Burnette was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the East Point Police Department for one year.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 9 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Released from mental hospital

traffic stop, murder suspect

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 16, 2020

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