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Policeman William F. Campbell | Bristol Police Department, Virginia Bristol Police Department, Virginia

Policeman

William F. Campbell

Bristol Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch: Thursday, July 2, 1908

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 34

Tour: Not available

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 4/29/1908

Weapon: Handgun; Revolver

Suspect: Sentenced to 7 years

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Policeman William Campbell was shot and killed when he and two other officers located a man wanted for malicious shooting and bootlegging.

Not realizing they had located the man, the three officers engaged him in conversation. As the man began to walk away, a boy who had been accompanying the officers informed them the man was who they were looking for.

When the officers called out to the man to halt, he immediately began to run away. One of the officers fired at the man, who continued to run. When the man reached the top of the street he turned around and shot at the officers, striking Policeman Campbell in the abdomen.

Policeman Campbell was taken to his home where his condition worsened until he succumbed to the wound on July 2, 1908.

The shooter was able to flee and remained at large for 6 years. He was finally arrested in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in January 1914. He was returned to Virginia where he was convicted of Policeman Campbell's murder and sentenced to 7 years in prison.

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Most Recent Reflection

Growing up, I had heroes-Mickey Mantle, Roy Rogers, Muhammad Ali-never knowing real heroes were right there in the family. My Graddaddy Hicks was Chief of Police in Bristol, Va. I hope they have met. I'm sorry it has taken almost 100 years to get recognition. I, like my Uncle Jim, remember the picture upstairs in the bedroom. I didn't know the story behind it though. At 34, I am sorry for all he missed. His wife has a very warm place in my family's heart since my mom, Frances, says she pretty much raised her until her tragic death. My mom is also a big hero of mine and I have my great-granddad to thank for her, too. He will forever hold a place of reverence and awe for the sacrifice he made for the people of this town. It's an honor to call William Campbell my great-granddad. Rest well! David C Hicks

david c hicks
great-grandson
March 7, 2008

 

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