Officer Dennis Allen Darden

Officer Dennis Allen Darden

Portland Police Bureau, Oregon

End of Watch Friday, August 9, 1974

Add to My Heroes

Dennis Allen Darden

Officer Dennis Darden was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a suspect at NW 23rd Street and Glisan Street.

As Officer Darden's partner searched the suspect, he located a gun and began to struggle with the man over control of the weapon. Officer Darden joined the struggle and struck the suspect with his service weapon, disabling the weapon by bending the trigger guard.

Officer Darden attempted to shoot the suspect, but the weapon would not fire. The suspect fired at the same time, striking Officer Darden twice and his partner once.

The suspect began to flee as Officer Darden's partner returned fire. The man ran to a nearby apartment, where he committed suicide. It was discovered that one of the shots fired by Officer Darden's partner had struck the man in the head and wounded him. The suspect was wanted for a murder charge in California.

Officer Darden was a United States Army veteran and served with the Portland Police Bureau for six years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

  • Age 29
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Committed suicide

suspicious vehicle, suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Officer Darden,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 9, 2024

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.