Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Monday, December 14, 1987
Add to My HeroesJames L. Gordon
Officer James Gordon was shot and killed by a Prince George's County police officer in a case of mistaken identity.
He had returned to his home in 10600 block of Mt. Lubentia Way in Largo, Maryland, when he discovered an open window and suspected that a burglar might be inside. As Officer Gordon walked through the house with his gun drawn, a Prince George's County police officer arrived on the scene because a neighbor had reported seeing a suspicious person enter the home.
In a tragic case of mistaken identity, the responding officer shot and killed Officer Gordon when he turned toward him with his gun in hand.
Officer Gordon was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 17 years. He was survived by his daughter.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 17 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
- Location Maryland
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsSuch a tragic way to go; but rest assured your sacrifice isn't unnoticed. May your soul continue to rest in eternal peace. Peace and blessings to your daughter. <3
FaLinda Johnson GPSTC Cadet
Jesup Police Department
December 14, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023