Nashville City Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch: Monday, December 7, 1903
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 7, 1903
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Executed in 1905
Patrolman Benjamin Dowell was shot and killed as he stood on his post awaiting relief. As Patrolman Dowell stood on his post two men approached him. Patrolman Dowell had previously arrested one of the men and his sister. The suspect drew a revolver and before Patrolman Dowell could respond the suspect shot him in the stomach. Patrolman Dowell managed to return fire hitting the suspect in the arm. Patrolman Dowell was removed to the hospital where he died. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and hanged on April 13, 1905.
Patrolman Dowell had served with the agency for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife.