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Incident
Patrolman John Lebed and Patrolman George Dunham were shot and killed while escorting a man to get bail money. The man had been arrested by the officers after they received a tip that he was carrying a concealed weapon and driving with a revoked license. After the arrest, the subject was taken to the police station where he was booked and told he would have to pay a $250 bond. To obtain the funds, the officers escorted him to his home at 140 Montgomery Street, in Highland Park, where he then shot and killed both of them. The man fled and was later surrounded in Union Township. To avoid capture, he shot himself in the head, causing a severe wound. While on his deathbed, he admitted to the murders of Patrolman Lebed and Patrolman Dunham as well as two previous murders. Patrolman Lebed and Patrolman Dunham were honored by having a public park, Dunham-Lebed Park, and two public roads, Lebed Drive and Dunham Street, named after them. Patrolman Lebed had served with the Franklin Township Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Lebed gave the Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County) 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Somerset community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lebed.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County) has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1960, 2 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1960, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1960, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 30. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
John was 30. 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. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.2% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Sundays: 13.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County). The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County) has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin Township Police Department (Somerset County) are honored on badge.nw.
