Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Tuesday, March 16, 1976
Add to My HeroesJames M. Compton, Jr.
Detective James Compton was shot and killed while attempting to serve a narcotics warrant on a man suspected of selling marijuana to students at a nearby high school at 2145 North Gent in Indianapolis.
Detective Compton and three other detectives went to the man's home at approximately 10:00 pm to serve the warrant. When Detective Compton knocked on the door and identified himself, the suspect fired a shotgun from inside, striking him in the head.
Detective Compton was able to crawl to the front yard, where he collapsed before being transported to a local hospital, where he died approximately two hours later. The other detectives returned fire at the suspect, fatally wounding him.
Detective Compton was a United States Navy Vietnam Purple Heart veteran who had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for five years and with narcotics for only six weeks and had previously served as a police officer in Kansas for two years. Detective Compton was survived by his wife, 6- and 11-year-old daughters, and a 5-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 7 years, 1 month
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 31 ReflectionsJim - I remember you so well - big man, big smile, big heart. I will never forget that you served as a hero to us Marines in Vietnam as a Corpsman, as well as a fellow police officer on IPD. I am writing a book about my 32 years on IPD. You are going to be in it because I want to continue to honor your memory and your sacrifice and say your name and write it in my book. I hope that makes your kids and grandkids happy buddy. RIP.
Judd Green - USMC Viet Vet - IPD Ret.
IPD
June 10, 2022
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