Jackson Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Thursday, April 27, 1978
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 27, 1978
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Lieutenant William Nixon was shot and killed during a traffic stop at West Berry Road and US 127 at 1:30 am.
After making contact with the driver, Lieutenant Nixon returned to his patrol car to radio in the information. As he sat in his car, the driver of the truck exited and opened fire with a .44 caliber revolver, killing him.
The suspect was arrested hiding in a ditch a half-mile from the shooting scene. It was determined that the truck, trailer, and bulldozer had been stolen. The man was convicted of murdering Lieutenant Nixon and sentenced to life in prison.
Lieutenant Nixon had served 23 years with the Jackson Police Department. He was survived by his wife and three children.