Bethel Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch: Sunday, November 19, 1972
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 19, 1972
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1978
Chief of Police Thomas Dillon was shot and killed after responding to a holdup at a local cab company in downtown Bethel.
When he arrived on the scene, he exchanged shots with the suspect, who was armed with a shotgun. Chief Dillon was struck in the chest and fatally wounded. He was able to wound the suspect, who was later apprehended by other officers.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. On November 4th, 1977, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution had withheld evidence from the defense and overturned the conviction. In the second trial, he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years. He was paroled on January 12th, 1978.
Chief Dillon had served with the Bethel Police Department for 2-1/2 years. He was survived by his wife and son.