Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch Friday, September 16, 1983
Add to My HeroesRobert Ray Jones
Captain Robert Jones was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer who was demonstrating weapon handling and self-defense techniques at the Department of Public Safety regional license office in Garland.
At 3:05 p.m., the officer was showing new techniques he had learned at retraining school after unloading his weapon. After he reloaded the weapon, he was asked about another maneuver. He drew the loaded .357 Magnum revolver, and as he brought the weapon up, it discharged, striking Captain Jones in the chest and killing him. The shooting was ruled accidental by the agency.
Captain Jones was a United States Marine Corps World War II veteran and had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for 34 years. He left the agency in 1951 for three months to play professional baseball with the New York Yankees. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a grandchild.
Bio
- Age 57
- Tour 34 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsCapt. Jones,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
a fellow LEO;former Marine
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 16, 2023
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