Patrolman John Goodin

Patrolman John Goodin | Athens Police Department, Ohio
Athens Police Department, Ohio
Patrolman John Goodin

Athens Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, November 10, 1970

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John Goodin

Patrolman John Goodin died eight hours after accidentally shooting himself with a 12 gauge shotgun.

He had just finished a training session and was going to assist other officers having problems near an off-campus university building complex. Patrolman Goodin and another officer were taking an unmarked car to the area. He opened the driver’s door of the patrol car and reached for the shotgun, grabbing it by the barrel. As he pulled it towards him, the trigger caught on the VASCAR speed-checking unit mounted in the front seat and discharged. The blast struck him in the stomach, killing him.

Patrolman Goodin had served with the Athens Police Department for two years. He was survived by a wife and an 11-month-old son.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
  • Incident Date Monday, November 9, 1970

accidental discharge

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman John Goodin of the Athens Police Department, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 10, 2023

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