Officer Carlos Winston Owen, Birmingham Police Department, Alabama

Officer Carlos Winston Owen

Birmingham Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, June 17, 2004

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Carlos Winston Owen

Officer Owen, Officer Harley Chisholm, and Officer Robert Bennett were shot and killed at approximately 1:30 pm while serving a warrant at a home near 18th Street and Avenue P, in the Ensley area of the city.

The three victim officers, along with a fourth officer, went to the one-story row house that contained several apartments with a warrant for the arrest of a man on a misdemeanor assault charge. Officer Owen and Officer Chisholm entered the apartment through the back door intending to arrest the man.

The subject broke away from them and ran toward the front of the house where Officer Bennett was about to come through the front door. One of the two men inside then opened fire with an automatic SKS rifle, killing all three officers and wounding the fourth officer.

The shooter and several other suspects were taken into custody near the scene by a tactical team a short time later.

Two of the arrested men, 24 and 27, were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. The older of the two was executed on March 5th, 2020.

Officer Owen had served with the Birmingham Police Department for 26 years and was assigned to the West Precinct. He is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren.

Bio

Age 58
Tour 26 years
Badge 1770

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; SKS
Offender Executed in 2020

warrant service

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 17, 2025