Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Sunday, September 1, 1946
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 1, 1946
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Officer Donald Downs was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at 7th Street and Maine Avenue, SW.
The driver jumped the curb and struck him. The man attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended.
Officer Downs had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and four children.