Patrolman Earl K. Leonard

Earl K. Leonard

Officer Earl K. Leonard was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

Officer Leonard stopped a traffic violator and was in the process of an arrest when a friend of the offender approached and shot the officer.

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of first degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison. On September 15, 1939, during an escape attempt he and two other lifers slipped drugs into the coffee of 11 guards leaving two in critical condition. On September 29, 1952, he was released from prison after it was determined the trial judge used a charge to the jury that was ruled unconstitutional in 1935.

Officer Leonard was survived by his wife and four children.