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Incident
Patrolman Coleman Dawson was shot and killed and another officer was shot and wounded while attempting to arrest a suspected horse thief just across the state line near Rockport in Spencer County, Indiana. The suspect had brought a horse, stolen in Indiana, to Owensboro and sold it, investing part of the proceeds in two revolvers. Upon his return to Indiana, the Spencer County sheriff called for assistance from officers in Owensboro. Shortly before 9 p.m, the sheriff heard several shots and soon thereafter found the body of Patrolman Dawson and his wounded partner on a country road nearby. Despite initially eluding a posse organized by the sheriff, the suspect was captured two weeks later at a rooming house in St. Louis, Missouri, and returned to Indiana. Authorities had learned of the suspect's location from a letter he sent which was intended for his girlfriend. The letter also revealed his real identity, an Indiana parolee with a lengthy criminal record. On Nov. 5, 1912, he escaped along with three other male prisoners from the Vanderburgh County Jail in Evansville, Indiana. He was recaptured four years later, charged with second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, where he ultimately died in 1931. Patrolman Dawson had served with the Owensboro Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Dawson gave the Owensboro Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Owensboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Owensboro Police Department has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1912, 5 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. was 45. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. J. had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
J. was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. J. had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. J. had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Owensboro Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Owensboro Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Owensboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
