Officer Johnnie Tillman Hartwell

Johnnie Tillman Hartwell

Officer Johnnie Hartwell was shot and killed after he and his training officer observed a truck strike a utility pole at the intersection of Meyers Street and Ash Lane. Believing the men were intoxicated, the officers asked the men to exit the vehicle. Unbeknownst to them, two of the men had just robbed the third man and planned to kill him. One of the two suspects opened fire on the officers, fatally wounding Officer Hartwell and wounding his training officer. The training officer emptied his revolver hitting the suspect three times as he ran, leaving him in serious condition. The second suspect just stood in one spot during the entire incident. He was only charged with robbery.

On September 19, 1972, the killer was sentenced to 999 years in prison.

Officer Hartwell was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Dallas Police Department for three months. He was survived by his wife and children.