Yeadon Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Saturday, October 8, 1955
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 8
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: October 8, 1955
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Charged with assault and battery
Patrolman John McDowell suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a violent struggle with a juvenile.
He and his partner were en route to to pick up their relief officer at approximately 11:20 pm when they observed a group of disorderly juveniles in front of a hoagie shop at the corner of Church Lane and Whitby Avenue.
All but one of the subjects complied with the officers' orders to disperse. The juvenile who remained became belligerent, and the shop owner grabbed him in an attempt to restrain him. A violent struggle ensued in which Patrolman McDowell and his partner were able to subdue the boy.
After making the arrest the officers continued to the home of their relieve officer. As they approached the home Patrolman McDowell, who was driving, suffered a heart attack and collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Patrolman McDowell had served with the Yeadon Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, and three siblings.