Patrolman Owen Ted Lyon, Redding Police Department, California

Patrolman Owen Ted Lyon

Redding Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, May 19, 1967

Owen Ted Lyon

Patrolman Owen Lyon was shot and killed while he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance at approximately 5:00 am.

As they approached the house the drunken male suspect emerged with a .32 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Patrolman Lyon in the chest. The suspect then shot and wounded Patrolman Lyon's partner, who retreated to the police car and retrieved a shotgun.

During a second gun battle Patrolman Lyon's partner shot and killed the suspect. His partner then transported him to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound the next morning.

Patrolman Lyon had served with the Redding Police Department for six years. His badge was retired and is on permanent display in the Redding Police Department's lobby.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 6 years
Badge 1

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, May 18, 1967
Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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I was a Campus Police Officer at Shasta College and rode on patrol with Ted a number of times as a Police Science student for extra credit. I left for the military and Vietnam three months before Ted was killed. I learned of his death from another RPD officer with a news article mailed to me. Ted was one of the nicest people I have ever met, and one of the most professional. He and other officers like him from the Redding Police inspired me to make a career of law enforcement. I'm retired now, and will be 70 years old on Oct 3rd. I finished with 32 years of service. God bless Ted, and those like him.

Lieutenant Bill Sponseller (Retired)
Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department

August 30, 2017