Sarasota City Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, April 5, 1975
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 5, 1975
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Officer Warren Jones was shot and killed with his own weapon while struggling with a man stealing gas from an industrial bulk fuel facility.
Officer Jones was on patrol when he observed a vehicle parked next to the fuel storage containers at the facility. He made contact with a subject and attempted to arrest him. While he was handcuffing the suspect, the man was able to gain control of Officer Jones' .38 caliber revolver. As the two struggled for control of the gun, the man shot him in the chest.
Officer Jones attempted to return to his patrol car to call for backup, but the suspect beat him with his police flashlight. The man fled the scene, and Officer Jones was able to call for help. He was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds 90 minutes later. The suspect, who was an ex-convict, committed suicide following the incident.
Officer Jones had been with the Sarasota City Police Department for two years. He was survived by his parents and his fiancé.