John L. Watterson

Indianapolis Police Dept. — Indianapolis, IN

Felonious

End of Watch December 23, 1893

Age 35

The Vigil Panel 12 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 58

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.

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Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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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

Department Indianapolis Police Dept.

Location Indianapolis, IN

Platform Identity ipd.marion.in.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch December 23, 1893

Age 35

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Stabbed

Weapon Edged weapon; Knife

Offender Shot and wounded

Merchant Policeman John L. Watterson 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 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 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Indianapolis Police Dept., 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.

Indianapolis Police Dept.

of 59 officers

64.4% Felonious

IN — Statewide

311

of 503 officers

61.8% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious