Police Officer John L. Summers

Officer John Summers was shot and killed while chasing a suspect who had been shooting at his wife and setting her house on fire.

Officer Summers and other officers had responded to the home on Westminster, and upon arrival Officer Summers chased the suspect across the street. Multiple shots were fired, and Officer Summers was struck by a bullet. Other officers in the area ultimately located and arrested the suspect, but it was unknown to them that Officer Summers had been shot. After being unable to locate Officer Summers, it was realized that he never cleared back to duty and a search was begun for him. He was found in the back yard of a home, however he had succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He received an additional 40 years for arson.

Officer Summers was the first black police officer to be killed in the line of duty with his agency.