Patrolman John D. Cusson, Peoria Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman John D. Cusson

Peoria Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, August 26, 1947

John D. Cusson

Patrolman John Cusson was shot and killed while he and his partner were attempting to question a suspicious man in the early morning.

As they stopped to question the man, the suspect jumped into the back of the patrol car and started firing, striking Patrolman Cusson. The suspect fled on foot as the other officer emptied his pistol at him. A few hours later the suspect was captured in a cornfield 15 miles south of Peoria. The suspect turned out to be responsible for eight robberies the previous day.

Two months later the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Patrolman Cusson had served with the Peoria Police Department for only eight months. He was survived by his wife and 3-month-old daughter.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

My Grandfather William, Johns brother told me about John and that he was killed in the line of duty as a police officer. I ‘m glad to see that thanks to a web site like this he will not be forgotten. John was a soldier who served and fought in The Battle of the Bulge. John survived WWII. It’s a shame that I never met John. We lost my Grandfather William this past year at the age of 92. Both were very special men who I can honestly say made the world a better place. rest in peace and may god bless you.

Glen Andrew Hein MSG US ARMY
Grandson to Johns brother

February 28, 2015