Town Marshal Robert Edward Thompson

Robert Edward Thompson

Town Marshal Robert Thompson was stabbed to death after arresting a man for being drunk in public.

As he walked the man to the jail the subject suddenly refused to go any further and pulled out a knife. Marshal Thompson summoned the help of a citizen and the two attempted to talk the man into putting the knife down. When he refused, Marshal Thompson hit him with his cane.

The man then struck Marshal Thompson in the chest and arm with the knife. The wound to the arm severed an artery. Marshal Thompson ran to a nearby drug store where he collapsed and died.

The suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short time later.

Marshal Thompson had served with the Hardinsburg Police Department for two years.