Richmond Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, October 20, 1940
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: 113
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 20, 1940
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Never identified
Patrolman John Tibbs was shot and killed after surprising suspects planning a burglary of a clothing store in the 700 block of West Broad Street.
His body was located in the vacant store building after failing to check in with dispatchers at 5 pm. Investigators found a hole in the wall of the vacant building leading to the clothing store, and they believe the suspects were watching the store, planning to rob it.
The suspects were never identified.
Patrolman Tibbs had been with the Richmond Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, son, father, sister, and brother.