Redding Police Department, California
End of Watch: Friday, May 19, 1967
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 1
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 18, 1967
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Owen Lyon was shot and killed while he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance at approximately 5:00 am.
As they approached the house the drunken male suspect emerged with a .32 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Patrolman Lyon in the chest. The suspect then shot and wounded Patrolman Lyon's partner, who retreated to the police car and retrieved a shotgun.
During a second gun battle Patrolman Lyon's partner shot and killed the suspect. His partner then transported Patrolman Lyon to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound the next morning.
Patrolman Lyon was a Unietd States Korean War Navy veteran and had served with the Redding Police Department for six years. His badge was retired and is permanently displayed in the Redding Police Department's lobby. He is survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, mother, sister, and three brothers.