Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 5, 1932
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 5, 1932
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Officer Elmer Swanson was shot and killed while responding to a home at 508 First Street, SE, where a deranged man was firing a gun.
During the incident, over 100 rounds were fired by the suspect from the home. Over 500 policemen and U.S. Marines responded to the incident and engaged in the shootout. At one point, the suspect ran from the house when it was filled with tear gas and opened fire, striking Officer Swanson in the head. Officer Swanson was taken to Providence Hospital, where he succumbed to the wound.
The man ran back into the home without being struck by the return fire. The man was eventually apprehended after being wounded in the arm. After being arrested, he stated he only wanted to have some fun. He was indicted for first-degree murder and found insane.
Officer Swanson had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for only three months and was assigned to the Ninth Precinct. He was survived by his wife and four children. One of his sons served as a Police Officer in Minnesota.
He is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland.