On This Date (January 13) 1970-Patrolman Robert Henderson Shipp.
On this date (January 13) 1970 a wife lost a husband, a mother lost a son and Dallas lost a Police Officer.
Patrolman Robert Henderson Shipp, Badge Number 2624, age 21, was shot and killed after a suspect stopped for a traffic violation in the 1900 block Akron Street was able to take Patrolman Shipp’s partner, Patrolman Edwin E. Hardy’s weapon during a struggle.
The suspect had continued after the emergency lights were displayed to his home located at the above described location failing to stop.
When the suspect did stop, Patrolman Hardy approached and requested the suspect, James Charles Millage, age 27, who had recently been released from the Texas Prison System, to accompany him to the police vehicle.
At this time a scuffle began when the suspect refused Patrolman Hardy’s request. As the scuffle continued, Patrolman Shipp came to the aid of Patrolman Hardy. Suspect Millage’s brother, David Glen Millage, age 29 then entered the scuffle at which time Suspect James Millage was able to take control of Patrolman Hardy’s weapon firing and striking Patrolman Shipp.
As Patrolman Shipp began to fall, Patrolman Hardy was able to take his weapon, firing and striking Suspect James Millage in the neck.
Patrolman Hardy was able to take Suspect David Millage into custody at this time.
Both Patrolman Shipp and Suspect James Millage were transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Patrolman Shipp died approximately one hour after arrival and Suspect James Millage died on January 16, 1970.
David Glen Millage was charged with Capital Murder. He was indicted and upon trail was found guilty of the lesser charge of Murder Without Malice and given the maximum sentence of five years.
Patrolman Robert Henderson Shipp, an eighteen month veteran of the Dallas Police Department is interred at Grove Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.