Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Stephens was shot and killed during a robbery of a local restaurant while moonlighting as a security guard. Officer Stephens was accompanying the manager as he counted the day's receipts in preparation for making a night deposit.
Several suspects entered the restaurant in an attempt to rob it. The suspects shot and killed Officer Stephens and the manager after stealing the money. It is believed both men were shot because Officer Stephens recognized one of the suspects.
The suspects were never identified.
Officer Stephens had served with the agency for just over 7 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IA-B5D72403- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Stephens gave the Council Bluffs Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Council Bluffs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Stephens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John L. Stephens 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 97,759 officers honored here.
In IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 57.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Council Bluffs Police Department, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John L. Stephens's cause is highlighted.
How John L. Stephens Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John L. Stephens is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John L. Stephens was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Council Bluffs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
