Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton

Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton | Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton | Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma
Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma
Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton | Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma
Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton | Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma
Chief of Police Joseph W. Cotton

Wewoka Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Saturday, June 27, 1953

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Joseph W. Cotton

Chief of Police Joseph Cotton was shot and killed when he and an officer responded to a report of a former mental patient brandishing a shotgun.

When they arrived on the scene the man opened fire, fatally wounding Chief Cotton. The other officer, also hit by a shotgun blast, returned fire seriously wounding the suspect.

The 60-year-suspect was adjudged insane and committed at the state mental institution where he died on September 19, 1954.

Chief Cotton had served with the Wewoka Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by nine children. He was preceded in death by two wives and one child.

Bio

  • Age 66
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Died in mental institution
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Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 27, 2020

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