Mason plaque marks spot where officer died in line of duty

A sidewalk plaque in downtown Mason now marks the spot where Officer James Ray Hinkley was killed in the line of duty 88 years ago. The plaque sits at the corner of Ash and Jefferson streets, the only officer in the Mason Police Department history to lose his life in the line of duty.

Hinkley died on Aug. 6, 1938, at 2:30 a.m. while escorting restaurant waitress Blanche Sandway home. His estranged husband, Richard Sandway, shot him with a 12‑gauge shotgun, and the confrontation was fought at a range of four feet.

Police Chief Matt Shutes and Diane Bishop have documented the story for the past 30 years. The plaque will help keep Hinkley's memory alive and remind citizens of the risks police officers face every day.

Read the full story at wilx.com.