Officer John L. Sullivan

Officer John L. Sullivan | Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
Officer John L. Sullivan

Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Wednesday, July 23, 1952

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John L. Sullivan

Officer John Sullivan was shot and killed as he returned home from work and interrupted a 17-year-old youth who had broken into his house and was attacking his wife.

Officer Sullivan, who was still in uniform, entered his bedroom to find his pregnant wife tied up and being raped by the suspect. As his wife yelled he has a gun the suspect shot him in the chest. He was able to return fire and wound the suspect in the arm.

The youth was apprehended a short time later and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 1978. Three years later he was jailed after being caught for driving without a license and felony possession of a firearm.

Officer Sullivan had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Paroled in 1978
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Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 23, 2020

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