Virden Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 10, 1912
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 10, 1912
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Night Policeman John Shaw was shot and killed as he and a merchant policeman responded to a fight at a home on the outskirts of town.
As the officers attempted to gain access into the home someone opened fire from inside with a shotgun, striking Policeman Shaw in the head. The other officer returned fire but did not strike the subject.
Two other occupants of the home were shot and a 1-year-old child was stabbed during the fight. The man who shot Officer Shaw committed suicide while hiding underneath the home's porch.
Policeman Shaw was survived by his wife.