Special Officer John Phillip Barber

John Phillip Barber

Special Officer John P. Barber responded to a disturbance on a city transit bus.

The bus driver identified a female as causing the disturbance and she was arrested by Officer Barber. As the officer was escorting the prisoner from the scene a crowd gathered and started throwing rocks at the officer. Officer Barber was then shot by a male suspect as the female prisoner escaped.

The suspect was charged with murder and sentenced to life in prison. The female prisoner was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace and aggravated assault on a police officer. No disposition was found on her case. Another man was convicted of causing a riot but his case was reversed on appeal.

Officer Barber was survived by his wife and one son. He was buried in Laurel Land Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas.