Patrolman Douglas Donald Downing, Ypsilanti Police Department, Michigan

Patrolman Douglas Donald Downing

Ypsilanti Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Friday, July 11, 1975

Douglas Donald Downing

Patrolman Douglas Downing was shot and killed after responding to a holdup alarm at a bank on Michigan Street and Park Street. As Patrolman Downing entered through a rear door he encountered a suspect who was fleeing the bank. The two struggled and Patrolman Downing was shot and killed. Another officer shot and killed one of the three suspects and the other two were apprehended.

Patrolman Downing had served with the agency for 7 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender One shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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I remember Officer Downing. About 1 week before he was murdered he responded to our house. Some older kids had thrown rocks and split my head. I was 8 years old and he sat me on his lap and reassured me that it was not my fault. One week latter we were walking to the bank on Michigan Ave and actually witnessed the second bank robber get shot and killed. I have never forgotten Officer Downing. He left such an impression on me that I joined the Marine Corps and apon leaving the Corps I spent the next 24 years in law enforcement as both a Police Officer and then for the State Of Michigan as a Lieutenant for the Department of Corrections!!! This is how much of an impression that you left on me. Semper Fi Marine! RIP! Lieutenant Michael Richards

Lieutenant Michael Richards
MDOC

March 10, 2017