Ventura Police Department, California
End of Watch: Monday, August 7, 1978
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 7, 1978
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Sergeant Dowell was shot and killed while conducting a raid on a home with other members of his department. The officers were attempting to arrest two armed bank robbers. The first suspect answered the door and stalled the officers as the second suspect armed himself with a shotgun. Sergeant Dowell was the third man on the team to enter. The team was ambushed by the second suspect who came around a wall and opened fire. Sergeant Dowell was struck in the back as he dove for cover. The suspect fled through a rear door but was shot and killed by another officer who was outside.
Sergeant Dowell's badge number was retired after his murder. He had been with the agency for 11 years and was survived by his wife, two young children, parents, sister, and brother.