Patrol Officer Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Patrol Officer Lester Woodrow
Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee
Patrol Officer Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, January 31, 1955

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Lester Woodrow "Tarzan" Gwinn

Officer Tarzan Gwinn was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a domestic disturbance call involving a man and his ex-wife at 218 East Scott Avenue in Knoxville at 1:30 am.

As the officers entered the home, the male subject pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Gwinn in the chest five times. Both officers returned fire killing the subject.

Officer Gwinn was a World War II veteran who earned the Silver Star, the Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and marksmanship medals while serving as a sniper in the Pacific. He served with the Knoxville Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, son, three brothers, and a sister.

Officer Gwinn is buried in New Gray Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic

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Officer Gwinn,
On today, the 70th 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 in the Pacific fighting the Japanese World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 31, 2025

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