Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch Tuesday, December 5, 1967
Add to My HeroesJohn L. Stephens
Officer Stephens was shot and killed during a robbery of a local restaurant while moonlighting as a security guard. Officer Stephens was accompanying the manager as he counted the day's receipts in preparation for making a night deposit.
Several suspects entered the restaurant in an attempt to rob it. The suspects shot and killed Officer Stephens and the manager after stealing the money. It is believed both men were shot because Officer Stephens recognized one of the suspects.
The suspects were never identified.
Officer Stephens had served with the agency for just over 7 years. He was survived by his two children.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 7 years, 4 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Never identified
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsYou are remembered
Rick Stephens
Brother
March 12, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Timothy Jones
Park Forest Police Department, IL
EOW: December 3, 2025
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
United States Department of Defense - Army National Guard - West Virginia Army National Guard, WV
EOW: November 27, 2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl, III
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: June 8, 2025
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2025
Police Officer Alec Sanders
Alhambra Police Department, CA
EOW: November 20, 2025
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
Virginia Department of Corrections, VA
EOW: November 17, 2025
Police Officer Marc Brock
Vivian Police Department, LA
EOW: November 14, 2025
Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds
Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: November 12, 2025
Police Officer Roger Smith
WakeMed Campus Police & Public Safety Department, NC
EOW: November 8, 2025

