Patrolman William Rankin Hickman, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi

Patrolman William Rankin Hickman

Jackson Police Department, Mississippi

End of Watch Monday, April 13, 1981

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William Rankin Hickman

Patrolman William Hickman was shot and killed after responding to a weapon violation call at a bar at 924 Lynch Street.

A woman had called 911 to report that a man was chasing her with a shotgun down Lynch Street. Several minutes later another caller stated gunshots had been fired in a nearby alley.

When Patrolman Hickman and his partner arrived on the scene they encountered the man sitting in front of the bar with a shotgun on his lap. As the officers exited their patrol car the man opened fire, killing Patrolman Hickman. Patrolman Hickman's partner returned fire, wounding the suspect.

The suspect, 58, a drifter and former mental patient, was charged with murder.

Patrolman Hickman had served with the Jackson Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Shot and wounded

EDP, weapons violation

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I was only 15 years old when this incident happened to you. I later met and trained with many of your comrades with JPD. You were highly respected by your peers and I was given the inside details to this terrible incident. I became a police officer and spent many years doing it, and I have thought of you often... R.I.P. my brother in blue!

Former Patrolman and Deputy
Pearl Police Department and Scott Co SO

January 29, 2021