Officer Thomas E. Wright, Decatur Police Department, Alabama

Officer Thomas E. Wright

Decatur Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, March 27, 1930

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Thomas E. Wright

Officer Thomas Wright succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he and his partner stopped a vehicle for disregarding a stop sign. The driver, who was a local judge, shot Officer Wright in the side with a .41 caliber Derringer. Despite being wounded, Officer Wright was able to drive himself to the police station to seek help. The other officer remained at the scene with the suspect.

Officer Wright received several blood transfusions but succumbed to his wounds the following day.

The 63-year-old judge said he thought Officer Wright was a robber. He was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Alabama Supreme Court ordered a new trial which ended with a hung jury. Before a decision could be made for second trial, he was struck and killed by a motorist while crossing the street on November 8, 1931.

Bio

Age 36
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, March 26, 1930
Weapon Handgun; .41 caliber
Offender Deceased

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Mr. Wright:
My name is Frank DeButy, I am a retired Lieutenant with DPD. I VERY MUCH wish to communicate with you regarding your grandfather. DPD has recognized your grandfather as one of two Officers K.I.L.D., there are two more I have just recently discovered. I am taking steps to make sure there is a proper ceremony honoring such tremendously brave men as your Grandfather. Please use the information given below to contact me. Did you know that your Grandfather's name is etched in the Wall of Fallen Officers in Washington,D.C.? I have rubbings of said etchings.

Sincerely,

Frank DeButy Lt. Ret. D.P.D.

Lt.Frank DeButy
Decatur, Ala. Police Dept.

August 29, 2014