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Incident
Captain Donald Owens was shot and killed by a prisoner he was escorting from court at 122 South Walnut Street in Bloomington. At 2:15 p.m., after leaving the courtroom, the prisoner, who was handcuffed in front, was able to draw Captain Owens' service weapon. He fired the shot into his stomach, intending to commit suicide, but the bullet went through his stomach and struck Captain Owens in the heart, killing him instantly. The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 to 25 years in prison. Captain Owens was a United States Navy WWII veteran and had served with the Bloomington Police Department for 30 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Captain Owens gave the Bloomington Police Department 30 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bloomington community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Donald Eugene Owens served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bloomington Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Donald is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 3 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 49. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Donald was 49. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 49. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Fridays: 11%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Bloomington Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Bloomington Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Military Service
Donald Eugene Owens served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Donald Eugene Owens’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bloomington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
