St. Petersburg Police Department issued the following announcement on Sep. 24.
In Memoriam
OFFICER CHARLES LEE EUSTES
(April 19, 1941 – September 24, 1967)
Officer Charles Lee Eustes was St. Petersburg’s eleventh officer to be killed in the line of duty. He was born on April 19, 1941 in Guilford County, North Carolina.
On September 24, 1967, Officer Eustes responded as backup to another officer dispatched to a domestic quarrel on Seventh Avenue South. Arriving ahead of the primary officer, Eustes heard a woman moaning inside the residence.
When he attempted to enter and assist her, his way was blocked by a male resident. A struggle ensued. The suspect pulled the officer’s gun from a Department-issued cross draw holster during the struggle and shot him once.
Seriously wounded, Officer Eustes attempted to crawl out of harm’s way. The suspect then shot Officer Eustes several more times, killing him. The man was later arrested and convicted of murder.
Charles Eustes had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for two years and was only 26 years old at the time of his death. His survivors include his wife, Jane and two children, Charles Lee Jr. and Jewell Ann.
Original source can be found here.
Source: St. Petersburg Police Department
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