Constable Luther T. Hardison
Coral Gables Police Department
Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, February 17, 1951

Biographical Info
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 26 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, February 17, 1951
Incident Location: Alabama
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Constable Hardison was shot and killed with his own weapon while extraditing a prisoner from Los Angeles, California, back to Florida. As they drove through Alabama and neared Florida the un-handcuffed suspect gained control of Constable Hardison's weapon and shot and killed him. A few hours later Constable Hardison's blood stained car was found by police in New Orleans. The suspect was apprehended in New York City seven days later when he tried to pawn the constables .38 cal. pistol for $15. The suspect was returned to Alabama and charged with Constable Hardison's murder.

Constable Hardison was a WWI U.S. Navy veteran. He had been the elected constable for three years but had been in law enforcement for 26 years. The position of elected Constable was abolished from Florida in 1973. He was survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His wife took over his job as constable.