Deputy Sheriff Benjamin J. Davidson, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas

Deputy Sheriff Benjamin J. Davidson

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas

End of Watch Tuesday, November 28, 1933

Benjamin J. Davidson

Deputy Davidson was shot and killed during an escape attempt from the Shawnee County Jail.

An inmate attempted to escape and attacked Deputy Davidson. Deputy Davidson and the inmate fell down a set of stairs and the inmate was able to gain control of Deputy Davidson's revolver and shot him once. Deputy Davidson continued to pursue the inmate and was shot two more times. Although mortally wounded he was able to pin the inmate down and died on top of him, preventing his escape.

The 20 year-old suspect, who was being held for bank robbery and the murder of a merchant policeman in Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On March 30, 1935, he was shot and killed while attempting to escape from the Kansas Penitentiary.

Bio

Age 56
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mr. Jefferson's statement "This was a MAN!" could not be truer and I thank him for saying it.

It's now been 85 years, Deputy Davidson, and you are STILL earning respect for your heroism and determination to not allow the escape of a cold blooded killer. I find it interesting and frankly, uplifting, that that filth never finished his life sentence and it ended upon another escape attempt.

God Bless you, Brother and may your eternal rest remain ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

November 28, 2018