Gwendolyn Downs

End of Watch: Monday, May 16, 1977

Biographical Info

Age: 26

Tour of Duty: 4 years

Rank: Patrolman

Assignment: Patrol

Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunshot

Date of Incident: May 16, 1977

Incident Location: 700 West Broadway

Weapon Used: Handgun

Case Status: Closed

Gwen Downs

Narrative

Patrolman Gwen Downs was shot and killed after she and her partner responded to a call at a parking lot of a fast food restaurant at 700 West Broadway.

After the officers had waited several minutes and were unable to find anyone who had called the police, Patrolman Down's estranged husband pulled into the lot. As she approached him, he pulled out a gun and shot her before committing suicide.

Patrolman Downs was the first female officer to be killed in the line of duty. She served with the Louisville Police Department for four (4) years. 

She is survived by her two (2) daughters.

To support the men and women of the LMPD, visit the Louisville Metro Police Foundation website to find out more.