Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Ernest Bowman, Patrolman Edward Whittlesey and Patrolman Albert Links were shot and killed by a suspect who was being taken into custody. The three officers had just pulled up to the police department when the man pulled out a nine-shot, .32-caliber pistol and opened fire, striking all three officers multiple times. He then exchanged shots with a fourth officer who came out of the department. The man fled in the police car with Patrolman Bowman still in the back seat. Although he was mortally wounded, he was able to draw his service weapon and shoot the suspect five times, killing him. Patrolman Bowman died the following day from his injuries and Patrolman Links died two days later from his injuries. Patrolman Bowman had served with the Macomb Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-2D59E276- Stewardship
- 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
You barely got started.
Patrolman Bowman gave the Macomb Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Macomb community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bowman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Ernest E. Bowman is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Macomb Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest E. Bowman's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest E. Bowman Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest E. Bowman is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest E. Bowman was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Macomb Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
