Patrolman Harry A. "Happy" Dowell

Patrolman Harry A. "Happy" Dowell

Toledo Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, June 9, 1921

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Harry A. "Happy" Dowell

Patrolman Harry Dowell and Patrolman Harold Mosbrugger were shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a man threatening his landlady at 611 Walnut Street in Toledo.

The suspects' landlady and her son had called in the complaint when the man threatened to kill them after receiving an eviction notice. The man shot Patrolman Mosbrugger when he entered the man's room. The man then holed up in his attic and engaged in a shootout with officers.

When Patrolman Dowell arrived with the backup units, he was shot and killed while dismounting his motorcycle. The gunman had the officers pinned, and they were unable to assist Patrolman Dowell, who lay injured in the street.

After an hour, the officers fired a machine gun from the house across the street, striking the suspect three times. The gunman retreated from the window and was later found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Patrolman Dowell had served with the Toledo Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and three young children.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Committed suicide

disturbance

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Harry Dowell of the Toledo Police Department, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 9, 2024

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