National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 21-W: 17

Department: Detroit, Michigan, P.D.

End of Watch: March 15, 1975

Cause: SHOT

Age: 27

Years of Service: 5

Description: On April 16, 1974, Police Officer James Watts and Detective John Tsolis were shot as they executed a narcotics search warrant at the local residence in Detroit. The suspect was hiding in a closet on the second floor. When Detective Tsolis opened the door the suspect began firing with two guns. Detective Tsolis was mortally wounded and Officer Watts suffered wounds in his arm and chest. Officer Watts return fire and wounded the suspect. Detective Tsolis died of his wounds at the scene and Officer Watts died on March 15, 1975, almost one year later.