1959

August 23, 1959
Vehicular assault  at 4800 Gulf Fwy

DOB – 6/6/1935, Age 24
Badge – 1494
Class 18
Final Resting Place – Brookside Memorial, Houston, TX

Officer John W. Suttle was killed in the line of duty on August 23, 1959 in an auto pedestrian accident.  He joined the department in April 28, 198 after serving the United States Navy for four years. His first assignment was Night Shift in the Radio Patrol Bureau.  
He was riding partners with Kenneth G. Smelley on the 10 pm to 6 am shift.  About 1:40 on the morning of August 23rd, they were cruising inbound in the 4800 block of the Gulf Fwy.  They came upon a one vehicle accident that was blocking several lanes of traffic.  Officer Suttle was directing traffic at the Lombardy overpass waiting for HFD to arrive when another vehicle came at him at a high rate of speed, disregarding the officers' directions and the warning lights.  This vehicle struck officer Suttle throwing him into the previously wrecked vehicle and onto the concrete. It is thought the Suttle was dragged about 50 feet and he sustained massive injuries and the loss of his legs. The lifesaving efforts at St. Joseph hospital went in vain and he succumbed to his massive injuries.

Officer John W. Suttle is survived by his wife, Mrs. Loy Neil Suttle; son John W. Suttle, Jr.; parents Mr. and Mrs. Oscar William Suttle, Sister Mrs. Earl Anderson; and brothers Minor D and Carl R. Suttle.

Sources – Fallen Heroes of the Bayou City