Patrolman Jerry Wayne Cawthon
Amarillo Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 1, 1964

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, January 1, 1964
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years

Patrolman Cawthon was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit of a juvenile who ran a red light. The suspect finally stopped at his home and ran to the back door, where Patrolman Cawthon apprehended him. During the struggle the juvenile's brother and friend came to his aid and began to argue with the officer. The friend, who was standing behind Patrolman Cawthon grabbed his service weapon as he spun him around, then shot him in the mouth. The suspect was apprehended on the scene and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Patrolman Cawthon was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.