Detective Percy Lindsay Clark

Detective Percy Lindsay Clark

Salt Lake City Police Department, Utah

End of Watch Thursday, January 11, 1973

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Percy Lindsay Clark

Detective Percy Clark was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two robbery suspects at 564 Third Avenue in Salt lake City at 9 pm.

He and other detectives had received information that the robbery was going to take place and followed the suspects to the location. After the men robbed the pharmacy, they exited the building, and Detective Clark told them they were under arrest. One of the suspects immediately opened fire with a 9 mm handgun, striking Detective Clark in the head. Other officers returned fire, killing one of the suspects and apprehending the other.

The juvenile who was arrested was committed to the state hospital after being sentenced to ten years. The subject who planned the robbery pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to probation.

Detective Clark had served with the Salt Lake City Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife and seven children.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 21 years
  • Badge 132

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, juvenile

Most Recent Reflection

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"The depression was just over and there was rather deep hatred in this area (Sugar House) against policemen and people would find out that my dad (Ray Cahoon) was a cop, they would not let their kids play with me. This not only tightens down the circle of friends but also created additional problems with the hatred the parents had for policemen. The kids felt it was only right to even up the score by fighting with a cop’s kid. There were some real agitators in the school and they would get a different group every night to pick a fight with me. When I would get home, I would hurry and wash the blood off and change clothes because I knew my dad did not approve of fighting and I did not want him to know that his occupation was the reason. I had many scuffles and while I was big and could take care of myself, when there were two or three of them I sometimes ended up the looser. I wore glasses all through school and often times they would be broken. About this time I became acquainted with another boy whose dad was a cop, Percy Clark. We became inseparable friends. Between the two of us there were very few who felt like they could beat us. We were always for the underdog and at recess or noon the whole school would turn out and have a snowball fight. We would divide up on both sides of the field and then charge each other with snowballs. Percy and I would always be on the team that was being beaten and soon that team would win." Reflections from Glen Cahoon a close friend of Percy Clark. He was devastated at the death of his friend. Placed in here by Glen's son.

Glen S. Cahoon, Captain
SLC Police - 33 years

August 23, 2023

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