Patrolman John Stevens
Memphis Police Department
Tennessee
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 1, 1866

Biographical Info
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, May 1, 1866
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Stevens was shot and killed by a large disorderly group. Patrolman Stevens and three other Patrolmen had just arrested two men out of a disorderly crowd. One of the suspects claimed he had been mistreated and the group quickly became enraged. They surrounded the Patrolmen and yelled, "club them" and "shoot them."

Patrolman Stevens and the three other Patrolmen were able to escape and started walking their prisoners away. The crowd followed them and as they crossed a bridge over the Bayou Gayoso shots rang out. Patrolman Stevens was shot in the leg and seriously injured. All the Patrolmen were able to escape. Patrolman Stevens was taken to a doctor but died several hours later from his wound.