Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, December 1, 1999
Add to My HeroesJohn Harold Robinson, Jr.
Patrolman John Robinson was killed when his cruiser was forced off of the roadway and struck a group of trees while chasing two robbery suspects. Patrolman Robinson and a second officer had been chasing two suspects, who had just robbed a man at gunpoint, for less than one minute when the suspects slammed on their brakes and suddenly swerved, in an attempt to cause an accident. Patrolman Robinson swerved as well, going off the roadway, and struck the trees. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The vehicles were traveling at an estimated 50 mph at the time of the accident. The second officer in the chase was able to arrest both suspects at the scene. Both suspects were found guilty first degree murder, evading arrest, and aggravated robbery and sentenced to life.
Patrolman Robinson had served with the agency for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and nine-month-old daughter, a seven-year-old son, and a 13-year-old daughter.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 17 years
- Badge 1038
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Both sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 37 ReflectionsMy name is Kathy Jane Lankford, my mother was Oakley Rose Robinson. I am John Harold Robinson Sr's niece. I am now 67 years old, but I remember countless wonderful times when Uncle Herald would bring Aunt Elizabeth and the kids up to Dickson County for long week ends and endless home cooked fish suppers. John Jr., even as a young boy, was a wonderful person. This was back in the 1950's. His memory is a blessing. As a little country girl, I was so proud to have them for my mom's relatives. This was soon after the war, when Uncle Herald had fought so courageously.
relative
Cousin
June 4, 2018
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