Althouse, George, SA

Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent G. Douglas Althouse was killed on May 28, 1992, during an attempted car theft in Shelby County, Alabama. He was 28 years of age at the time of his death.

Special Agent Althouse was on duty with Jefferson County, Alabama Deputy Sheriff Naylor Braswello when the two stopped at a convenience store. Deputy Braswello entered the store to make a phone call. Special Agent Althouse remained in the vehicle, unaware that four local car thieves intended to steal his Z-28 Camaro. While he sat in the passenger side, one of the armed thieves approached Agent Althouse from the rear. The assailant then ordered Agent Althouse to get out of the vehicle. As he was exiting, he was shot twice. As the suspect attempted to flee with the car, Special Agent Althouse fired his duty weapon. Special Agent Althouse died at the scene.

His assailant was charged with murder in both the state and federal systems. He was ultimately convicted in both courts and received the death penalty in the State of Alabama and life without parole in the federal venue.

Special Agent Althouse graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in May 1988, with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Special Agent Althouse worked as a police officer for the Williamson County Sheriff's Department in Franklin, Tennessee until February 1990. He was named "Rookie of the Year" by the Sheriff's Department in 1988. Following graduation from DEA's Basic Agent Class 73 in 1990, Special Agent Althouse was assigned to the Nashville Resident Office and in November 1990, was transferred to the Birmingham Resident Office. Special Agent Althouse was an aggressive investigator and an effective leader during his eighteen months in Birmingham. He was designated a team leader of Birmingham's new Provisional DEA State and Local Task Force and was training State and local police in Federal law enforcement procedures. He was survived by his wife; Christie, his parents; George and Thea and a Sister; Dana.