Officer Abigail J. Powlett

Abigail J. Powlett

Officer Powlett was shot and killed by a suspect who had overpowered her and taken her as a hostage. Officer Powlett and another officer had responded to a call involving a man with a gun. The two officers made contact with the suspect and as Officer Powlett searched him the man began to resist and gained control of Officer Powlett's service weapon.

The suspect held Officer Powlett on the ground with the gun pressed against her head. Other officers responded to the scene and immediately began negotiating with the suspect. Without warning, the suspect shot Officer Powlett in the head, killing her. The other officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

Officer Powlett had served with the Plainfield Police Department for 3 years. She was survived by her mother and two children.