Bio & Incident Details
Age: 24
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 1/1/1964
Weapon: Officer's handgun
Suspect: Sentenced to 10 years
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Patrolman Cawthon was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit of a juvenile who ran a red light. The suspect finally stopped at his home and ran to the back door, where Patrolman Cawthon apprehended him. During the struggle the juvenile's brother and friend came to his aid and began to argue with the officer. The friend, who was standing behind Patrolman Cawthon grabbed his service weapon as he spun him around, then shot him in the mouth. The suspect was apprehended on the scene and was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Patrolman Cawthon was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
