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Incident
Corporal Jason Harwood was shot and killed while making a traffic stop in the 3200 block of SE Sixth Avenue at approximately 4:45 pm.
One of the vehicle's occupants opened fire during the traffic stop, fatally wounding Officer Harwood. The suspect believed to be the shooter turned himself in a short time later.
The subject was convicted of Corporal Harwood's murder and sentenced to life without parole. On December 24, 2015, the 32-year-old subject was found unresponsive in his cell at the El Dorado Correctional Facility. He died 30 minutes later.
Corporal Harwood had served with the Topeka Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and seven siblings.
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.
Corporal Harwood gave the Topeka Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Topeka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Harwood.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Topeka Police Department has lost 10 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Jason is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Jason is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jason 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 2014, 1 officer at Topeka Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 2012, with 2.
In 2014, 1 officer in KS was killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 2014, 63 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 119th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2014, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jason was 40. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Topeka Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47.5; the middle age was 36. Jason had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jason was 40. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Jason had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Jason was 40. 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. Jason had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jason was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jason had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 16.7% of these deaths at Topeka Police Department; December holds the most, 33.3%. Sundays: 66.7%.
September holds 8.9% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 13.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 10 deaths at Topeka Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Topeka Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Jason among them.
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Caswell S. Matthews
May 5, 1912
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Clarence L. Shields
Apr 11, 1955
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Marcus W. Hood
Nov 1, 1974
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James Michael Buffum Sep 13, 1975
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Tony Ray Patterson
Oct 12, 1995
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Charles Joseph Bohlender, Jr.
Jun 13, 2000
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Jeff William Howey
Jun 13, 2000
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David Scott Gogian
Dec 16, 2012
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Jeffrey Glenn Atherly
Dec 16, 2012
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Jason Eugene Harwood
Sep 7, 2014
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Topeka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
