Police Officer John Thomas Scanlon, Robbinsdale Police Department, Minnesota

Police Officer John Thomas Scanlon

Robbinsdale Police Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Thursday, February 14, 1985

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John Thomas Scanlon

Police Officer John Scanlon was shot and killed after he and another officer cleared the scene of a burglary call at the intersection of France Avenue North and Lakeland Avenue.

After clearing the scene, the second officer left, but Officer Scanlon remained in his patrol car doing paperwork. Although they did not locate a suspect on their initial search, the man returned to the scene, approached Officer Scanlon's vehicle, and opened fire from the driver's side.

The suspect, 43, was later convicted of Officer Scanlon's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 2012 and 2022, and is eligible for parole in the fall of 2025.

Officer Scanlon was a United States Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Robbinsdale Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and adopted son.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 11 years
Badge 3810
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

ambush, burglary

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I was in the service many miles away from home when I heard my cousin was shot in the line of duty. He was sitting in his squad car when this evil man approached the car and coldly shot him for no reason. A peek at the downfall our country would spiral into.

ET4 John Knaeble
Cousin

October 22, 2025