This First Attempt to Kill Bonnie and Clyde Happened at This Texas Location

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The intersection of Texas 183 and Esters Road in Irving may seem like any other bustling crossroads, with familiar names like Red Lobster, McDonald’s, and 7-Eleven on every corner. However, if you could travel back to November 21, 1933, you would witness an infamous moment in history—the failed ambush of notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde.

Aerial image of the area 25 years after the failed ambush. At the time Pioneer Drive was called Sowers Road.

Bonnie and Clyde had arranged to meet their family at this location, which was just northwest of the small town of Sowers. Sowers, annexed by Irving in 1956, is now a forgotten community, with Sowers Cemetery on Pioneer Drive serving as its last remnant. Many of Irving’s early settlers rest in that historic cemetery.

Same intersection today, almost 90 years after the failed ambush.

As the couple approached the meeting in a stolen black 1933 Ford V8 coupe, law enforcement officers lay waiting, ready to confront the outlaws.

Sowers ambush location looking northeast from Blue Crab parking lot in 2023.

Sensing danger, Bonnie sped past the gathering family members, narrowly avoiding the lawmen lying in wait. Officers opened fire with Thompson submachine guns, injuring both Bonnie and Clyde as they made their escape. They eventually abandoned their stolen car to avoid capture once again.

Officers Smoot Schmidt, Ted Hinton, Ed Caster, and Bob Alcorns with items from the abandoned car.
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Last Updated on October 13, 2024 by F. E. Mufute

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