Officer Elmer A. Swanson
Metropolitan Police Department
District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 5, 1932

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 3 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, July 5, 1932
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Officer Swanson was shot and killed while responding to a home at E and First Street where a deranged man was firing a gun. During the incident over 100 rounds were fired by the suspect from the home. Over 500 policeman and U.S. Marines responded to the incident and engaged in the shootout. At one point the suspect ran from the home when it was filled with tear gas and opened fire, striking Officer Swanson in the head. Officer Swanson was taken to Providence Hospital where he succumbed to the wound. The man ran back into the home without being struck by the return fire. The man was eventually apprehended after being wounded in the arm. After being arrested he stated he only wanted to have some fun.

Officer Swanson had been with the agency for only three months and was survived by his wife.