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Patrolman John H. Dowies | Tenino Police Department, Washington
Tenino Police Department, Washington

Patrolman

John H. Dowies

Tenino Police Department, Washington

End of Watch: Wednesday, January 18, 1978

Biographical Info

Age: 44
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 18, 1978
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Patrolman Dowies was shot and killed with his own service weapon after locating a man wanted in an earlier disturbance. Patrolman Dowies was assisting another agency and knew the suspect. He located the man at his home and went to talk to him. As a struggle ensued the suspect gained control of Patrolman Dowies' service weapon and shot him. The suspect, 20, was quickly taken into custody.

On August 1, 1978, the suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentence to life plus 5 years for stealing Patrolman Dowies wallet. His first parole hearing is in 2028.