Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Van Haaften was shot and killed while assigned to the Knoxville, Iowa, Police Department as an undercover narcotics officer. He had just made an undercover purchase at a residence and entered the home to arrest the subject at 4:00 p.m. As he moved into one of the rooms, another subject shot him in the chest with a .410 gauge shotgun. He was able to exit the home and call for backup before collapsing. The suspect, age 17, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to five years in prison. The suspect who purchased the drugs pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison. Patrolman Van Haaften had served with the Pella Police Department for two years and previously served two years as a volunteer in the police reserve.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IA-4797E93F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Van Haaften gave the Pella Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pella community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Van Haaften.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Ernest Van Haaften is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 2.9 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Ernest Van Haaften's cause is highlighted.
How John Ernest Van Haaften Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Ernest Van Haaften is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Ernest Van Haaften was killed by shotgun; 410 gauge.