U.S. Army · United States 
John Dowies
1978
John H. Dowies served the U.S. Army for 4 years.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman John Dowies was shot and killed with his own service weapon after locating a man wanted in an earlier disturbance. Patrolman Dowies was assisting another agency and knew the suspect. At 11:30 p.m., he located the man at his home at 210 Avenue in Tenino and went to talk to him. As a struggle ensued, the suspect gained control of Patrolman Dowies' service weapon and shot him. The suspect, 20, was quickly taken into custody. On August 1, 1978, the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life plus 5 years for stealing Patrolman Dowie's wallet. His first parole hearing is in 2028. Patrolman Dowies was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who had served with the Tenino Police Department for six years and previously served with the Yelm Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1966 – 1971
Also Served
Tenino Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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