Lieutenant Clarence Purvis Cox, Jr., Memphis Police Department, Tennessee

Lieutenant Clarence Purvis Cox, Jr.

Memphis Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Tuesday, May 12, 1981

Add to My Heroes

Clarence Purvis Cox, Jr.

Lieutenant Clarence Cox was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who was wanted for escape and for the murder of a priest.

He had encountered the subject near the intersection of N Lauderdale Street and Exchange Avenue and attempted to take him into custody.

The suspect was able to gain control of Lieutenant Cox's service weapon and shoot him with it. The man was later arrested in Jackson, Tennessee. He was sentenced to death but later murdered in prison by other death row inmates.

Lieutenant Cox was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Memphis Police Department for 22 years.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 22 years
Badge 99
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Killed in prison

warrant service, escapee, murder suspect

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

I believe today would have been your 94th birthday. Rest in peace Lt. Cox. The citizens of Memphis have not forgotten your life, career and heroically humble sacrifice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 18, 2022