Cedartown Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Saturday, July 31, 1954
Add to My HeroesWilliam Thompson McCown
Policeman McCown was shot and killed on Main Street by a man had previously arrested for drunk driving after he had a traffic accident. The suspect had been allowed to post a cash bond and was released from jail.
A short time later he approached Policeman McCown from behind on a city street and ordered him to put his hands up. The man then spun him around and shot him twice in the chest with a .32 caliber handgun.
Several witnesses chased the suspect a short distance until he was arrested by the Cedartown police chief and another officer. On October 29, 1954, the suspect, 53, was convicted of murder in Cobb County and sentenced to life. He was paroled on January 6, 1964.
The suspect's brother had shot and killed Officer Marion Key, of the Atlanta Police Department, on March 4, 1948.
Policeman McCown had previously served as sheriff of of Polk County for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 60
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
- Offender Paroled in 1964
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 31, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024