Captain Robert Ray Jones, Texas Department of Public Safety

Captain Robert Ray Jones

Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas

End of Watch Friday, September 16, 1983

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Robert Ray Jones

Captain Robert Jones was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer who was demonstrating weapon handling and self-defense techniques at the Department of Public Safety regional license office in Garland.

At 3:05 p.m., the officer was showing new techniques he had learned at retraining school after unloading his weapon. After he reloaded the weapon, he was asked about another maneuver. He drew the loaded .357 Magnum revolver, and as he brought the weapon up, it discharged, striking Captain Jones in the chest and killing him. The shooting was ruled accidental by the agency.

Captain Jones was a United States Marine Corps World War II veteran and had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for 34 years. He left the agency in 1951 for three months to play professional baseball with the New York Yankees. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a grandchild.

Bio

Age 57
Tour 34 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

accidental discharge, police facility

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Most Recent Reflection

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Capt. Jones,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
a fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 16, 2023