Detective Michael E. Dowd, Denver Police Department, Colorado

Detective Michael E. Dowd

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Saturday, December 6, 1997

Michael E. Dowd

Detective Michael Dowd succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 28 years earlier when he was shot by an escaped cop-killer near the intersection of California Street and 15th Street.

The subject had escaped while was serving a prison sentence for the November 2nd, 1937, murder of Deputy Sheriff Oscar Meyer, of the Eagle County Sheriff's Office. He and three accomplices where en route to Meadlark Shopping Center when they were spotted by Detective Dowd and his partner.

The vehicle fled into an alley when the detectives attempted a traffic stop. The subject stopped and then fled on foot, with Detective Dowd in pursuit. Shots were exchanged during the pursuit and Detective Dowd was struck in the abdomen. Despite being wounded, he was able to return fire and killed the subject.

Detective Dowd's health continued to deteriorate and he eventually died as a direct result of his wounds on December 6th, 1997.

Bio

Age 64
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Friday, November 28, 1969
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

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Most Recent Reflection

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Detective Dowd, I always admired you and enjoyed listening to you laugh--which you did often. I'm so glad the late Captain Steve Metros of the DPD did the long and patient work necessary to have your name memorialized. You were an example for all of us, then and now. And, Captain Metros showed us the importance of remembering and honoring all those who gave their lives answering Duty's call.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

April 30, 2017