Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 2, 1915
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Bicycle accident
Date of Incident: March 1, 1915
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Willie Gawen was killed in a bicycle accident while on patrol with a fellow officer near 7th and Q Streets, NW.
Officer Gawen's partner heard a noise and when he turned around he discovered Officer Gawen laying in the street unconscious. It is believed that Officer Gawen struck a pile of debris that had been put in the street following a fire at 1526 7th Street.
Officer Gawen had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and two young children.