Police Officer Robert Jordan, age 46, was shot shortly after 11:00 PM on May 15, 1981, in the 4400 block of Shreve Avenue. Off duty, he and his 11 year old daughter were confronted by an armed robber. The robber demanded Officer Jordan’s wallet, and upon opening the wallet, realized that Officer Jordan was a police officer. The robber shot Officer Jordan three times in the chest. Officer Jordan returned fire striking the robber.
Officer Jordan was conveyed to Barnes Hospital for emergency treatment, however at 12:09 AM, Officer Jordan became the third St. Louis County police officer to give his life in the line of duty.
The robber was later located. He was tried and found guilty of Capital Murder. He received the death penalty and was executed in 1997.
Officer Jordan was born on February 3, 1935 and was a nineteen year veteran of the St. Louis County Police Department. During his career, he served in the Divisions of Patrol, Operational Support and Criminal Investigation. He received several letters of commendation and many letters of appreciation from the Department and the citizens he served.