Sergeant John Holcombe Woodson, Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

Sergeant John Holcombe Woodson

Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Monday, August 5, 1946

John Holcombe Woodson

Sergeant Holcombe Woodson was shot and killed at Catlett, Virginia, as he and another railroad detective approached a man to question him about freight thefts. Before the detectives even spoke to the man, he produced a .22 caliber handgun and opened fire.

One of the shots struck Sergeant Woodson in the neck, mortally wounding him. He was transported to Warrenton Hospital where he succumbed to the wound.

The suspect fled but was arrested. He was subsequently convicted of murder and executed.

Sergeant Woodson had served with the Southern Railroad Police Department for 31 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 63
Tour 31 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Virginia
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Executed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Rest in Peace Sergeant John H. Woodsonr. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting America's steel roadways.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the scum who murdered you is burning in hell as I type this reflection. I pray that the hounds of hell are ripping his soul apart.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 7, 2016