Bio & Incident Details
Age: 33
Tour: 5 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Weapon: Handgun; Revolver
Offender: Paroled in 1962
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Policeman Cavanagh was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for disturbing the peace and threatening to kill his wife. The man's wife had signed a complaint in order to have the man removed from the home. Policeman Cavanagh met the man at the house and asked him to accompany him to the police station. As the two walked out of the house the man suddenly produced a revolver and shot Policeman Cavanagh once in the back and then three times in the body, killing him instantly.
The suspect fled but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison but was paroled in 1962.
Policeman Cavanagh had served with the Glendive Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and father. His father served as the Glendive police chief at the time.
