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John Thomas Davis
Incident
On July 1, 1930 at approximately 5:00 p.m., Dallas County Precinct 4 Constable John T. Davis and Deputy Constable T. Gardner Jones arrested four men caught in the act of stealing accessories from a stolen car. The officers found a pistol in their vehicle. En route to jail, the four men began fighting with the officers and took both of their pistols. The suspects shot both officers. Constable Davis was shot in the chest and died instantly. Deputy Constable Jones was wounded with powder burns from the gunfire.
All four men escaped, but three were later arrested. Antonio Adamez and Arturo Sanchez were sentenced to life in prison. Lupe Martinez received a 35 year sentence. Jesus Bustos escaped prosecution. On December 10, 1931, Arturo Sanchez was killed by another inmate.
Constable John Thomas Davis was survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. He is buried in the Mesquite City Cemetery in Dallas County.
Survivors
Constable John Thomas Davis was survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.
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.
Constable Davis served with the Dallas County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Grand Prairie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Dallas County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 remembered here.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 19 officers in TX were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 63. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
John was 63. 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 was 63. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dallas County Constable's Office - Precinct 4. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Dallas County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 are honored on badge.nw.