Gainesville Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, August 2, 1931
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 24, 1931
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Pardoned in 1937
Officer William Johns and Officer John Clements were shot and killed by a man whom they had arrested a few days earlier, at which time they confiscated a shotgun. The suspect was released and attempted to have his shotgun returned but Officer Johns refused. The suspect located the two officers on East California Street and shot both of them with another shotgun. Officer Johns managed to return fire seriously wounding the suspect.
The suspect was convicted of Officer Clements' murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was pardoned by Governor James V. Allred August 26, 1937.
Officer Clements was killed instantly, however, Officer Johns did not succumb to his wounds until nearly a week later. He is buried at Valley View Cemetery in Valley View, Texas.