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Incident
Police Officer Melvin Howe was shot and killed by a bank robbery suspect on Highway 40. He and his partner made a traffic stop on a suspect who was driving suspiciously and matched the description of a bank robbery suspect. During the traffic stop, the suspect shot and killed Officer Howe and escaped. The vehicle was later determined to have been stolen in Oklahoma. The suspect eluded law enforcement officials in Kansas but was captured in Oklahoma. The suspect was killed in an escape attempt while in Oklahoma.
Survivors
Officer Howe was survived by his wife, young son, and father.
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.
Police Officer Howe served with the Lawrence Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lawrence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Howe.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lawrence Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Melvin is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Melvin 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 1931, 4 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Melvin was 42. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Melvin was 42. 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.
Melvin was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 7.6% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Lawrence Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lawrence Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Melvin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lawrence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
