Patrolman Thomas I. Hairston

Thomas I. Hairston

Patrolman Thomas Hairston suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a shooting of a suspect.

He and his partner were on patrol when they heard shots fired nearby. As they went to investigate, they observed a man walking in the roadway with a rifle. The man continued walking towards them even after being ordered to stop. Patrolman Hairston opened fire on the suspect, striking him in the chest.

After shooting the man, Patrolman Hairston ran two blocks to a nearby factory and called for an ambulance. He then ran back to the scene where he collapsed. He died while being transported to the hospital.

Patrolman Hairston had served with the Fort Smith Police Department for 7 years. He was survived by his wife.