Chief John Jones was shot and killed by three suspects as they escaped from the Oklahoma City Jail. The suspects had overpowered the jailer after pistols had been smuggled to them. Once outside the jail, the suspects attempted to commandeer a wagon. When Chief Jones arrived, gunfire was exchanged. Chief Jones was shot and killed along with one suspect. The other two suspects escaped and were never apprehended.
One of the suspects who fled to Arizona was involved in the murder of Deputy Collector Frank Robson of the United States Customs Service on August 12, 1896. It is believed that the suspects were also involved in the killing of an Oklahoma deputy sheriff.
Chief Jones had been chief for 13 months. He was survived by his wife and mother.
