Patrolman John Vincent Gleason, Jr.

Patrolman John Vincent Gleason, Jr. | Plainfield Police Division, New Jersey
Plainfield Police Division, New Jersey
Patrolman John Vincent Gleason, Jr.

Plainfield Police Division, New Jersey

End of Watch Sunday, July 16, 1967

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John Vincent Gleason, Jr.

Patrolman John Gleason was beaten to death by a group of youths at a housing complex. Patrolman Gleason was part of a mobilization at the complex as a result of two days of civil unrest.

He was attacked at the intersection of West Second Street and Plainfield Avenue. The subjects took his service revolver and shot him before beating him to death.

The suspects were found guilty of Patrolman Gleason's murder and sent to prison. They were released after serving their sentence.

Patrolman Gleason was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and had served with the Plainfield Police Department for nine years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge 84
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Released from prison

civil unrest

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Officer John Gleason was one of the best. I was a troubled teen back in the 60's and John Gleason was like a brother to me...and others like me. We knew that if we needed someone to talk to, Gleason was there to listen and give guidance. I believe that if not for John Gleason, myself and others may have chosen the wrong path in life. God bless John and all who serve us.

Karen
Troubled teen and friend who later went into legal service

February 14, 2021

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