Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Monday, August 5, 1946
Add to My HeroesJohn 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 9 ReflectionsSgt. Woodson,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Cesar "Echy" Echaverry
Miami-Dade Police Department, FL
EOW: August 17, 2022
Deputy Sheriff Ned P. Byrd
Wake County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: August 11, 2022
Corporal Chad M. Beattie
Washington County Sheriff's Office, PA
EOW: August 10, 2022
Deputy Sheriff Andrew Peery
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, CO
EOW: August 7, 2022
Special Police Officer Maurica Manyan
District of Columbia Public Library Office of Public Safety, DC
EOW: August 4, 2022
Sergeant Jèan-Harold Louis Astree
Fairburn Police Department, GA
EOW: July 28, 2022
Sergeant Matthew Ryan Fishman
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: August 2, 2022
Supervising Fire Marshal John Joseph "Jack" McCauley
New York City Fire Department - Bureau of Fire Investigation, NY
EOW: May 28, 2022
Police Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz
Elwood Police Department, IN
EOW: July 31, 2022