Police Officer John G. Gordon

John G. Gordon

Police Officer John Gordon was shot and killed while attempting to arrest five men who had just committed several robberies in the area.

Shortly after receiving a lookout for the men, Officer Gordon spotted the group at the intersection of Clinton Street and Dubois Street. As he approached them two of the subjects immediately opened fire.

Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Gordon was able to crawl to a call box and call for help. He was taken to a local hospital where he was able to identify four of the five suspects before dying later in the morning.

Two of the subjects, 22 and 24, were convicted of murder sentenced to life in prison. On December 12, 1969, the 22-year-old suspect's sentence was commuted to time served. He had been in prison the longest of any inmate. In poor health, he was transferred to a nursing home. Two others were convicted of robbery and sentenced to 7 to 15 years.

Officer Gordon had served with the Detroit Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the Hunt Street Station. He was survived by his wife.