Ivan “Ike” William Thompson

On June 4, 1940, Officer Thompson stopped a subject, later identified as Clarence Blocker, for a traffic violation at First and I streets NE Washington, DC. As he attempted to arrest Blocker a fight ensued. Officer Thompson was able to subdue Blocker at first but moments later the suspect started fighting again. Thompson removed his service revolver and fired one shot into the ground. The suspect grabbed Thompson’s wrist and was able to wrestle the gun away from and shoot him five times.

Blocker was arrested a short distance away by a Metropolitan Police officer after the officer fired a shot at him. The suspect continued to fight and additional help had to be called in to subdue Blocker.

From the Archives of the Washington Post®

Edited for content

Own Gun Is Emptied Into Patrolman's Prostrate Body: Police Slain By D.C. Truckman

Washington, D.C.: Jun 15, 1940

Park Policeman Ivan W. Thompson was shot to death at 5 p.m. yesterday in the aftermath of a minor traffic incident, the third Washington policeman to die of gunshot wounds within 49 hours.

Truck Driver Weeps at Inquest Into Slaying Of Policeman, Is Held for Grand Jury Action: Witnesses Testify Prisoner Fired Shots in a Daze

Washington, D.C.: Jun 16, 1940

A squat, massive truck driver, Clarence Blocker, 23, who wept as he awaited the verdict of a coroner's jury, was held for the action of the grand jury yesterday, charged with the slaying Friday of Park Policeman Ivan W. Thompson.

Accused Police Slayer's Trial Set for Friday: Clarence Blocker, 24, Indicted for First Degree Murder of Officer

Washington, D.C.: Jun 19, 1940

Clarence Blocker, 24, was indicted yesterday for the first-degree murder of Park Policeman Ivan W. Thompson, and his trial was set for Friday morning, less than a week after the policeman was killed.

Truck Driver Found Guilty Of Murder: Convicted on Two Counts in First Degree of Slaying Police Officer

Washington, D.C.: Oct 23, 1940. 

Clarence Blocker, 24, a truck driver, who killed Park Policeman Ivan W. Thompson when resisting arrest last June 14, was convicted on two counts of first degree murder in the District Court last night

Blocker to Face Court for Slaying Policeman Today

Washington, D.C.: Jul 15, 1940

Clarence Blocker, 24, will go on trial in District Court today for the murder June 14 of Park Policeman Ivan W. Thomson, it was indicated yesterday. Blocker pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice F. Dickinson Letts June 18, immediately after indictment for first degree murder

Policeman's Slayer Declared Insane

The Washington Post

Washington, D.C.: Mar 6, 1941

Clarence Blocker, 24, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Park Policeman Ivan W. Thompson last June 14, was adjudged insane before Justice F. Dickinson Letts yesterday.