Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-3D852125- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Gordon gave the Detroit Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Gordon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John G. Gordon 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 MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John G. Gordon's cause is highlighted.
How John G. Gordon Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John G. Gordon is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John G. Gordon was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
