Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent George D. 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 graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in May 1988 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He 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 with DEA's Basic Agent Class 73 in 1990, Special Agent Althouse was assigned to the Nashville, Tennessee Resident Office and, in November 1990, was transferred to the Birmingham, Alabama Resident Office. Althouse was an aggressive investigator and an effective leader during his 18 months in Birmingham. He was designated a team leader of Birmingham's Provisional DEA State and Local Task Force and trained state and local police in federal law enforcement procedures.

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 Special Agent Althouse from the rear. The assailant then ordered 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. He was survived by his wife, Christie; his parents, George and Thea; and one sister, Dana.

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.