Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch: Friday, June 30, 1939
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: November 26, 1937
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman John Cannon died of injuries sustained when a prisoner assaulted him 19 months earlier.
On Thanksgiving Day 1937, Patrolman Cannon and his partner were sent to a cafe at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Decatur Street to investigate a disorderly drunk male. When the officer arrived they arrested the man and placed him in the back seat of their patrol car. Patrolman Cannon's partner went back into the bar to call for a patrol wagon to pick up the suspect.
The suspect suddenly started kicking Patrolman Cannon and continued to do so until his partner returned to the car. Patrolman Cannon was rushed to a hospital where it was determined that the blows had ruptured a coronary artery. Patrolman Cannon never recovered and died 19 months later from his injuries.
Patrolman Cannon had served with the Memphis Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife, son and two daughters.