James Owens, Jr. Charleston County Police Department Saturday, May 11, 1968

Patrolman Owens was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner he had just arrested. He had responded to an accident and had transported an injured woman and her boyfriend to the hospital. While at the hospital the boyfriend became disorderly and Patrolman Owens arrested him. As he took the man to jail the man produced a .22 caliber handgun and shot Patrolman Owens in the neck four times. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death September 18, 1968. James Owens, Jr.'s name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be located on panel 21, W -11. A plaque bearing James Owens, Jr.'s name is displayed at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame in Columbia. Views: 1,288

[ return to complete list ]