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Incident
Night Watchman Dotson was killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress. Night Watchman Dotson was performing his rounds when he found someone crouched in the doorway of the Hassayampa drug store. He assumed it was a drunk and ordered the man to step out. In response, three shots rang out. Watchman Dotson was able to return fire and tell a witness what happened and that the suspect was staying in a local hotel before he died. The 34-year-old suspect was hiding in a bus and jumped the driver when he was making sure everyone had gotten off. The driver was able to knock him unconscious and he was taken into custody. Dotson had hit him twice in the leg and once in the arm. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in the Arizona Penitentiary. He escaped in November of 1953 and was captured in June of 1954 in New Mexico. He escaped again on May 7, 1968, when he simply walked away from his trustee job outside of the prison. Watchman Dotson had served with the agency for only 9 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Night Watchman Dotson served with the Wickenburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wickenburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Dotson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clarence is the only officer of Wickenburg Police Department remembered here.
Clarence is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Clarence is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clarence is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1945, 1 officer in AZ was killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1945, 68 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 105th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1945, 70 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 108th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Clarence was 43. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Clarence had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Clarence was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Clarence had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Clarence was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Clarence had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Wickenburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 28.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Wickenburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.