Tragedy Strikes Greensboro Police Department: 22-Year Veteran Sgt. Philip Dale Nix Killed in Broad Daylight Stealing Beer Incident

On Saturday, Greensboro, North Carolina was shaken by a tragedy of a different kind- the fatal shooting of an off-duty officer. 22-year veteran police Sgt. Philip Dale Nix was shot while trying to stop a thief from taking off with nearly $84 worth of beer from a local Sheetz gas station.

Jamere Justice Foster, 18, was quickly apprehended and charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Sgt. Nix. According to arrest warrants, Foster shot Sgt. Nix after he saw the teen stealing beer from Sheetz.

North Carolina issues a Blue Alert for Suspects Fleeing West

The offender fled the scene after shooting Sgt. Nix with a black Chevrolet Equinox. North Carolina issued a statewide blue alert in response. Following an exhaustive search, two deranged suspects were successfully apprehended in Winston-Salem, with the third suspect later turning himself in.

John Walter Morrison and Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell of Winston-Salem were also charged with felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Blackwell is accused of helping Foster to cover up the crime, while Morrison was charged with larceny, conspiracy and the same felony accessory charge.

Sgt. Philip Dale Nix: Devoted Husband, Father, and Officer

Greensboro Police Department mourned the loss of their much-loved fellow officer. Chief John Thompson released the following statement, “He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother with 22 years of service to the department and community. We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro PD family”.

During his time with Greensboro police, Sgt. Nix held various positions, working as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and Supervisor of the Family Victims Unit. Mayor Nancy Vaughan asserted “I think those are feelings that are felt throughout this department and throughout this city. It’s a senseless act of violence.”

“Honoring 22-Year Police Sergeant Philip Dale Nix Killed in Broad-Daylight Stealing Beer Incident”
Greensboro, North Carolina is mourning the loss of dedicated police Sergeant Philip Dale Nix, who was tragically murdered in broad daylight while trying to stop a thief from stealing beer. After spotting the theft, he was without warning shot by Jamere Justice Foster, for whom a Blue Alert was issued. The search for Foster and other two suspects, John Walter Morrison and Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell, ended in Winston-Salem Saturday night, with all of them being charged with felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.

Sgt. Nix held many roles during his 22-year service to the Greensboro police department, including Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Supervisor of the Family Victims Unit, and Assistant Team Leader of the Greensboro Police Department Honor Guard. Mayor Nancy Vaughan said “I think those are feelings that are felt throughout this department and throughout this city” in response to the tragedy.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson expressed his deep sorrow on the loss of Sgt. Nix, saying “He was a loving husband, father, son and brother with 22 years of service to the department and this community. We ask for prayers for the family of the fallen officer and our Greensboro PD family.”

As Greensboro grieves the death of their beloved police sergeant, let us take a moment to remember and honor Sgt. Nix’s life and service.