Officer Charles L. Eustes
April 19, 1941 – September 24, 1967
End of Watch September 24, 1967
On September 24, 1967 Officer Charles 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. After being hit once and seriously wounded the 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 26 years old at the time of his death. His survivors include his wife, Jane, and two children, Charles Lee, Jr. and Jewell Ann.
