Sergeant W.C. Stockham
Memphis Police Department
Tennessee
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 22, 1865

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 5 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, February 22, 1865
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Charged with murder

Sergeant Stockham was shot and killed by a suspect he was attempting to arrest. Two Patrolmen went to an apartment building after several residents complained about a drunk and disorderly resident. When they arrived the suspect exited his apartment and fought with them. The suspect then pulled a pistol and fired, missing both officers. The suspect fled into his apartment.

The Patrolmen signaled for reinforcements, and Sergeant Stockham arrived with two other officers. The officers again attempted to arrest the suspect and during the struggle the suspect fired again, killing Sergeant Stockham. The other officers continued to struggle with the suspect, shooting him once in the elbow, before they were able to subdue him. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder.

Sergeant Stockham had been with the agency for five months and had served three years in the Union Army prior to his service with the Memphis Police Department.