Patrolman Joe Taylor Aven Jr.
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico
End of Watch: Thursday, August 6, 1953

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Wednesday, August 5, 1953
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Aven and Sergeant John Ramsey were killed in an automobile accident while en route to Sweetwater, Texas, to follow up on a perjury investigation. During the drive another vehicle entered their travel lane while attempting to pass another car. Sergeant Ramsey took evasive action and swerved to the right. At the same time the oncoming car swerved to the left and the two vehicle collided head-on. Sergeant Ramsey was killed instantly and Patrolman Aven succumbed to his injuries the following day. A third police officer in the vehicle survived the accident.

Patrolman Aven had been with the agency for four years and was survived by his wife and daughter.

Related Line of Duty Deaths

Sergeant John T. Ramsey New Mexico State Police, NM EOW: Wednesday, August 5, 1953 Cause of Death: Automobile accident