Officer
John Lawrence Sullivan
Indianapolis Police Department
Wednesday, July 23, 1952

Age: 30
Served: 3 years, 3 months
Badge #:
Panel 51E, Line 14
Panel L3, Line 8

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, July 23, 1952
01:15 am
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
4715 English Avenue, Indianapolis
Incident County:
Marion
Incident Township:
Center
Weapon Used:
.38-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Paroled in 1978
Burial Place:
Holy Cross and Saint Joseph Cemetery, Indianapolis

Share this Memorial
   

   Officer John Sullivan was shot and killed as he returned home from work and interrupted a man who had burglarized his house and was attacking his wife.

   He was still in uniform and ordered the man to come out of the bedroom but the subject shot through the door, striking Officer Sullivan above the heart. He was able to return fire and wound the suspect before he fled the scene.

   Officer Sullivan was taken to General Hospital where he died.

   A 17-year-old suspect was apprehended a short distance away and was charged with first-degree murder in a death penalty case. In a change of venue to Shelby County, he was later convicted, sentenced to life in prison and paroled in 1978.

   Officer Sullivan was survived by his expectant wife and two young daughters.

Military Service


United States Marine Corps
World War II


Purple Heart Medal


The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

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Officer John Lawrence Sullivan - Indianapolis Police Department - INLEM.org