Sheriff John A. Cline
Grundy County Sheriff's Department
Tennessee
End of Watch: Monday, April 15, 1929

Biographical Info
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, April 15, 1929
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Sheriff John Cline was shot and killed after being confronted by a drunk man he had ordered to go home a short time earlier. The man had originally gone home but returned to a poolroom. As Sheriff Cline entered the same poolroom the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, severely wounding Sheriff Cline in an arm.

The suspect then took Sheriff Cline's service revolver and shot him several times, killing him. After a short time the subject walked to a nearby business and threatened the owner, then went to another man's home and forced the man outside, before returning to his own home. Three deputies responded to his home and shot the suspect to death when he threatened them as well.

Sheriff Cline was survived by his wife and four children.