Lieutenant Willard Edward Vaughan, 64, was shot and killed after responding to a silent alarm at a convenience store on May 9, 1977. Vaughan, who had served 21 years with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and was planning to retire in three months, arrived with another officer and a deputy sheriff. As Vaughan’s vehicle led the return toward the scene, he exited his car and was struck four times when one of two suspects ran in front of his vehicle and opened fire at close range; that suspect was also hit once. A deputy exchanged fire, striking the suspect a second time. Two suspects were arrested at the scene and a third was arrested hours later in Emporia, Virginia.

An 18-year-old was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on September 19, 1977. Vaughan was survived by his wife and son and was remembered by the community for his years of service and commitment to community policing.