Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maine
End of Watch: Monday, January 28, 1811
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 28, 1811
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed
Deputy Sheriff John Downes was shot and killed in Robinstown while arresting a suspected currency counterfeiter. As Deputy Downes attempted to place the suspect under arrest the man shot and killed him.
The suspect was later executed by hanging for his crime.
Deputy Downes was buried in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. In the summer of 2004, his grave was located and a ceremony was held honoring his sacrifice and service.
At the time of Deputy Downes' murder, Maine had not yet been formed as a state, and Cumberland County was a part of Massachusetts.