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Incident
Sheriff Powers was shot and killed while confronting a gang of five men who were attempting to rob a bank. Sheriff Powers, who was in his apartment, heard the noise of two explosions, which were the result of the robbers' attempts to use nitroglycerin to blow open the bank's safe. As the sheriff rushed towards the bank he was fired upon by a lookout hiding in an alley between the bank and his apartment.
Sheriff Powers returned fire as he continued to confront the suspect. During the ensuing shootout he was struck twice and fatally wounded. Several citizens took him to this apartment where he succumbed to his wounds 30 minutes later.
All five suspects were eventually apprehended. Two of them were sentenced to death and executed in June of 1903. Two more were sentenced to life in prison, however, one of the men later escaped and was never recaptured. The fifth suspect was captured 28 years after Sheriff Powers' murder.
Sheriff Powers had served as sheriff for 14 years. He had previously served as the town marshal of Clarksville and as a constable for Spadra Township.
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Powers gave the Johnson County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clarksville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Powers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1902, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 35. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 35. 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. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
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 3 deaths at Johnson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Johnson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
