Officer Harold K. Shelton, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer Harold K. Shelton

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Sunday, May 3, 1959

Harold K. Shelton

Officer Harold Shelton was shot and killed while chasing a shooting suspect through an alley near 7th Street and L Street, NW.

Officer Shelton and his partner were returning to the station at the end of their shift when a citizen reported the shooting. During the chase, the suspect hid in a doorway and shot Officer Shelton as he passed by.

The suspect was found guilty of Officer Shelton's murder and sentenced to 9 to 28 years in prison.

Officer Shelton had been employed with the Metropolitan Police Department for one year, and is survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 22
Tour 1 year, 1 month
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to 28 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 15 Reflections

Officer Shelton, today marks the 59th year since your brutal murder.

Your picture caught my eye in that you look very similar to one of my best friends in life who passed away a few years ago. Both he and I were born in 1959, Pete at the very start, me at the very end. Though I know, since you were murdered well after his birth, you had no influence on him, the coincidences are almost scary.

I am honored to leave a reflection for you, Brother on this sad anniversary. I know God had Blessed you and I am confident that you are resting in Peace in Heaven.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

May 3, 2018