Police Officer Leland Dale Anderson

Leland Dale Anderson

Police Officer Leland Anderson was shot with his own weapon at 8th Street and Congress Avenue after he stopped a van for a miner traffic violation. Three men attacked him when he attempted to arrest one on outstanding traffic warrants. As they fled they ran over him. The three were apprehended minutes later at 4th and Chalmers Streets after ramming several police cars.

The three suspects, 20, 21, and 24, were charged with capital murder. On November 14, 1975, the suspect, 24, who fired the fatal shots, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life. In 1976, another was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years. The third suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years.

Officer Anderson was a U.S Army veteran of Vietnam war and served with the Austin Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife, and daughter.