Patrolman Robert M. Clifton
Joplin Police Department
Missouri
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 5, 1967

Biographical Info
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 5, 1967
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Patrolman Clifton was shot and killed when he and another officer stopped a vehicle for a routine inspection. The vehicle was occupied by four youth and a 13 year old girl who had just robbed and beaten a grocery store operator in Bowie, Texas a few hours earlier. When the two officers ordered the occupants to get out of the car the driver pulled a gun and killed Patrolman Clifton. The other officer returned fire killing the gunman.

The other four occupants were returned to authorities in Texas.