Sergeant John C. Brinkley

John C. Brinkley

Sergeant John Brinkley was shot and killed while chasing a suspect who had shot and wounded another officer earlier in the day.

Officers were sent to the Overton Park Market to investigate a report that a man was selling stolen chickens. After questing the man the officers decided to take him back to the station house for further questioning. The suspect asked if he could put his chicken back into his wagon. The officers allowed him to do so, but while placing the chicken into the wagon, the man retrieved a pistol. The man opened fire, wounding two officers. The man was also wounded but managed to flee.

While the store owner called the police to report the shooting, a group of civilians chased the suspect. The civilians were unable to apprehend the man, but the suspect's car was stopped by a group of officers at Waldran Street and Jackson Street. The suspect exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Sergeant Brinkley, along with several other officers, pursued the suspect while exchanging gunfire. During the gun battle, Sergeant Brinkley was shot and killed at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Breedlove Street.

The suspect was also shot and subsequently arrested by other officers. He was convicted of murder and executed on September 3, 1920.