Chief of Police Jasper Addison Gargis

Jasper Addison Gargis

Chief of Police J.A. Gargis suffered a fatal heart attack after a struggle with a mentally disturbed man during an arrest.

Chief Gargis arrested a subject who blocked the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Massachusetts Avenue with a bus. The subject resisted arrest, and two civilians had to help Chief Gargis subdue the man. The subject tore apart his jail cell and after Chief Gargis calmed him down, he fell and did not regain consciousness.

Chief Gargis had served with the Southern Pines Police Department for 10 years and previously served with the Raleigh Police Department. He was appointed Chief of Police in 1931. He was survived by his wife, five children, brothers, and sisters. One of his brothers served with the Raleigh Police Department.