Metro Nashville Police Department
Tennessee
End of Watch: Sunday, March 17, 1968
Cause: Gunfire
Biographical Info
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available Officer Thomasson and Officer Thomas Johnson were shot and killed after Officer Johnson stopped a vehicle at 15th Avenue and Herman Street that was wanted in connection with passing false money orders. As Officer Johnson exited his patrol car the occupants of the vehicle opened fire with a 30-30 rifle, striking him in the chest.
As Officer Thomasson arrived on the scene to backup Officer Johnson he was also shot. Officer Thomasson succumbed to his wounds two months later. The five suspects fled the scene but were all apprehended within several months. The ensuing investigation revealed that the five suspects were connected to the radical Black Panther group.
Officer Thomasson was a US Air Force veteran and had served with the Metro Nashville Police Department for 6 years. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, and three brothers.
The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation. | 
