Peoria Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Tuesday, August 26, 1947
Add to My HeroesJohn 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, 24, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was also convicted of three unrelated crimes and sentenced to 30 additional years.
Patrolman Cusson was a United States Army World War II veteran and had served with the Peoria Police Department for only eight months. He was survived by his wife and 3-month-old daughter.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour 8 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsPatrolman Cusson,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Europe fighting the Germans during World War II.
R.I.P.
USBP
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