Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, August 4, 1982
Add to My HeroesWilliam Lee Bowlin
Officer Bowlin was shot and killed when he was ambushed at the scene of a domestic dispute call at 1213 Litton Avenue. He and two other officers had responded to the call after reports of shots fired and attempted to make contact with the residents of the home.
The domestic argument stemmed from a court judgement earlier in the day when the suspect was ordered to give his ex-girlfriend and former lawn care business partner, two lawnmowers and a car. The suspect fled the house with a high-powered weapon and stood at one corner of the building as the officers approached.
After not receiving a response at the door the other two officers walked around back and Officer Bowling began to return to his cruiser. As he walked towards the car he was shot in the head by a suspect who was hiding in nearby bushes.
The 54-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. His last prison mug shot was posted in 2003 and he was paroled at some point after that.
Officer Bowlin had been with the agency for just under five years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and father, who was head of the Metro Intelligence Division. Bowlin was killed on his 2-month wedding anniversary.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 1073
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsYou are not forgotten.
Ret Sgt Vernon Teague
MNPD
August 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024