Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 9, 1884
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 9, 1884
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Hanged
Officer John Fowler was shot and killed while supervising a chain gang.
One of the prisoners attempted to escape but was caught by Officer Fowler near First and E Street, NW. A struggle ensued and Officer Fowler was shot and killed with his own weapon. The suspect was apprehended by another officer and hanged for the crime.
Officer Fowler had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 14 years and had served in the Civil War as a private in Company D; 4th Battalion, District of Columbia Infantry. Officer Fowler was survived by his wife and four children and is buried in Plot R91/297 of Congressional Cemetery, Washington, DC.