Special Agent Thomas Adolphus Owens, Jr.

Special Agent Thomas Adolphus Owens, Jr.

Central of Georgia Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Tuesday, May 10, 1938

Add to My Heroes

Thomas Adolphus Owens, Jr.

Special Agent Tom Owens was shot and killed by a hobo who was hitching a ride in a slag-filled gondola car.

He and his partner were searching the moving train as it departed the Woodlawn Yards in Birmingham, Alabama. The agents observed two men board the slow-moving freight train and began searching for them. As they walked atop the cars they came across the two men hiding in the gondola car and were immediately fired upon. Agent Owens was shot and killed before drawing his weapon. His partner returned fire and killed the subject despite being seriously wounded himself.

Special Agent Owens had previously served with the Troy, Alabama, Police Department. He was survived by his wife, two children, brother, and three sisters.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Alabama
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and Killed

trespasser

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Rest in peace Special Agent Owens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.