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Incident
Patrolman John Allen was shot and killed from ambush while arresting three men for being drunk in public.
He had been called to a dance at approximately 10:30 pm and encountered three men in an automobile. After arresting two of the men he returned to the automobile and was attempting to wake up a man who was believed to be sleeping. As he did so, a man hiding behind a tree 15 feet away shot him in the head with a shotgun, killing him instantly. A watchman from the United States Veteran's Hospital who had accompanied him on the call went into the dance hall to call for backup. When he returned the two prisoners and third man had all fled.
All three suspects were apprehended, convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 5 years. On September 26, 1931, Patrolman Allen's killer was shot and killed and his 18-year-old son was wounded when they and others were involved in a shootout in Central City with Chief of Police James Charlie Smith over illegal liquor activities. Chief Smith was also killed.
Patrolman Allen had previously served as chief of police for the Dawson Springs Police Department and as a watchman with the United States Veteran's Hospital. He was survived by his wife, three children. two brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
County Patrolman Allen served with the Hopkins County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madisonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Patrolman Allen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Hopkins County Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 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 1925, 14 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 54. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
John was 54. 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 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.3% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hopkins County Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
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