Patrolman James Edward "Red" English, Gastonia Police Department, North Carolina

Patrolman James Edward "Red" English

Gastonia Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Thursday, November 11, 1948

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James Edward "Red" English

Patrolman Red English succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained four days earlier during a standoff with an ex-convict on South Liberty Street.

Several other officers and civilians were also wounded in the incident when the suspect opened fire from his parent's home. The suspect's father had called the police when his son forced him to leave his home after he refused to let him use the family car.

The suspect was convicted of the murder of Patrolman English and sentenced to life in prison on November 29th, 1948. He was paroled on September 17th, 1970.

Patrolman English was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and had served with the Gastonia Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia, North Carolina.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 7 years
Badge 11
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, November 7, 1948
Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
Offender Paroled in 1970

barricade, convicted felon

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Patrolman English,

On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 11, 2023