Mason Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Saturday, August 6, 1938
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 6, 1938
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer James Hinkley was shot and killed at 2 am at 521 South Jefferson Street in Mason.
Officer Hinkley was escorting a woman home from work at a restaurant who was fearful of her estranged husband's threats. The estranged husband attacked the two, and Officer Hinkley was shot in the stomach with a 12-gauge shotgun. Although mortally wounded, Officer Hinkley returned fire and killed the suspect.
Officer Hinkley had served with the Mason Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Michigan State Constabulary during WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, two brothers, and two sisters.