Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw, Tempe Police Department, Arizona

Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw

Tempe Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Sunday, September 20, 1987

John Eaton Bradshaw

Lieutenant John Bradshaw was shot and killed while responding to an officer needs assistance call.

The call came in from an officer whose weapon was stolen by an inmate he was transporting to the hospital. The suspect then took a motorcycle driver hostage and fled the scene. Lieutenant Bradshaw stopped up the road from the suspect and waited for his arrival at Hohokam Highway and University Drive.

When the suspect saw the patrol car he fired one shot which struck Lieutenant Bradshaw in the chest. The suspect was later shot by Department of Public Safety officers.

Lieutenant Bradshaw had served with the Tempe Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 20 years
Badge 23

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Shot and killed

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Most Recent Reflection

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There isn't a week that goes by that I don't remember Lt. Bradshaw. He was always friendly, warm, and had kind and funny words to share when he visited the radio room. An hour prior to his death, he had been up there and we had shared trout our fishing hopes. I admired and respected him so very much because he gave us his respect and trust. This was priceless to me, and I miss him even today.
LT, I was proud to serve under you.

John Hart, former TPD dispatcher
Tempe PD and U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security; retired

December 29, 2016