Officer James J. Goodson

Officer James J. Goodson | St. Petersburg Police Department, Florida
St. Petersburg Police Department, Florida
Officer James J. Goodson

St. Petersburg Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, December 25, 1947

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James J. Goodson

Officer Goodson was killed while assisting another officer.

Officer Goodson was checking a bar on 22 Street South in St. Petersburg when another officer observed a man in possession of a pistol outside. Hearing a struggle, Officer Goodson went outside to assist the other officer as he struggled with the suspect for possession of the gun. During the struggle the suspect fired the gun hitting Officer Goodson twice. He died of his wounds early on the following morning, Christmas Day 1947. The 35-year-old suspect was later arrested in Pinellas Park.

The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On March 26, 1950, he and three other inmates escaped from the state prison farm in Bell Glade. He was captured by a police officer and a FBI agent in Syracuse, New York, on June 10, 1952.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, December 24, 1947
  • Weapon Handgun; Pistol
  • Offender Sentenced to life
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Officer Goodson,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Petersburg. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 25, 2022

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