Sarnia Police Files – written by Nick Jones
Constable John Lewis was appointed as a Constable on April 1st, 1929
On May 23, 1936, Constable Lewis responded to a report of a holdup at a liquor store at Cromwell and Christina Streets. As he entered the premises, he was shot and wounded by the notorious criminal, Norman “Red” Ryan. The suspect and his partner Harry Checkley were shot and killed by Sergeant George Smith and Detective Frank McGirr who also responded to the call, they entered the liquor store shortly after Constable Lewis was shot.
Constable Lewis died that evening in Sarnia General Hospital. Constable Lewis was a 7 year member of the Sarnia Police, was married and had two children at the time of his death.