Patrol Officer Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Patrol Officer Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, January 31, 1955

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Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Officer Lester Gwinn was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a domestic disturbance call involving a man and his ex-wife. As the officers entered the home the male suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Gwinn in the chest five times. Both officers returned fire killing the suspect.

Officer Gwinn was a World War II veteran. He earned the Silver Star, the Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and marksmanship medals while serving as a sniper in the Pacific. He is survived by his wife and son. He is buried in New Gray Cemetery in Knoxville.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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Rest in peace Officer Gwinn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 20, 2022

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