Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Monday, August 28, 1882
Add to My HeroesHugh Burns
Officer Hugh Burns was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunfire while he was off duty.
He was sitting on his front porch when he heard a commotion and a gunshot come from in front of a saloon at the corner of Garden Street and Tennessee Street (modern-day Capitol Avenue). When he went to investigate he observed a man holding a revolver and yelling at bystanders.
Despite being unarmed, Officer Burns approached the man, put his hand on his shoulder and informed him he was under arrest. The man immediately shot Officer Burns in the chest, just below the neck, killing him instantly. The subject fled the scene but was arrested a short time later. He was charged with murder but acquitted at trial after claiming self-defense.
Officer Burns had been appointed to the Indianapolis Police Department only three months prior. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsFaithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute
S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)
August 28, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick H. "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021