Patrol Officer John Ward Dotson, Chickasaw Police Department, Alabama

Patrol Officer John Ward Dotson

Chickasaw Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, April 8, 1980

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John Ward Dotson

Patrol Officer John Dotson was shot and killed by a man he was writing a speeding citation to on Highway 43 in Saraland. His body was found beside his patrol car with the suspect's ticket clutched in his hand.

The 45-year-old subject who shot him was apprehended, found guilty of capital murder, and sentenced to life without parole. In 1989 and again in 1992 he received new trials and was sentenced to life without parole each time.

Officer Dotson had served with the Chickasaw Police Department for almost two years. He was survived by his expectant wife, parents, two sisters, and a brother.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year, 11 months
Badge 20

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

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I worked at Uop in Chickasaw but worked ambulance for TriCity and Newmans and Jims on my off days John would come by Tri City on Lee St and get a cup of coffee and just talk stories I came home off night shift and heard the news Couldn t believe it John was so nice Billy Possum Colburn Gulf Shores Al.

Billy Colburn

December 19, 2022