Pella Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 9, 1980
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 2 months
Badge Number: 20
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 9, 1980
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 410 gauge
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman John Van Haaften was shot and killed while assigned to the Knoxville, Iowa, Police Department as an undercover narcotics officer.
He had just made an undercover purchase at a residence and entered the home to make an arrest. As he moved into one of the rooms another subject shot him in the chest with a .410 gauge shotgun. He was able to exit the home and call for backup before collapsing.
Patrolman Van Haaften had served with the Pella Police Department for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.