Roll of Honor
Incident
Merchant Policeman John Watterson was stabbed and beaten to death after interrupting a burglary in progress at a meat market at 901 N Mississippi Street (present day Senate Avenue).
Policeman Watterson challenged the three burglars as they emerged from the rear door of the market. A violent struggle ensued in which Policeman Watterson was stabbed multiple times and his skull fractured. Despite his injuries he was able to fire his revolver, wounding one of the subjects.
He chased the men approximately one block before collapsing near 750 N Tennessee Street (present day Capitol Avenue). Policeman Watterson died moments after responding officers located him.
Two suspects were arrested on August 2, 1894, but were released several days later due to a lack of evidence. No one was ever convicted of Policeman Watterson's murder.
Policeman Watterson had served as a merchant policeman for several years.
NEVER FORGOTTEN! Cop Cycling for Survivors Foundation
Monica Zahasky Cops Cycling for Survivors December 23rd, 2018
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-B06C57B1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
133 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Merchant Policeman Watterson served with the Indianapolis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Indianapolis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Merchant Policeman John L. Watterson 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Indianapolis Police Department, 38 of 59 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John L. Watterson's cause is highlighted.
How John L. Watterson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John L. Watterson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John L. Watterson was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
58 officers from Indianapolis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
