Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch: Friday, November 2, 1894
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 10 months
Badge Number: 137
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 1, 1894
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Rufus Parkinson was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a suspect wanted for robbing a woman in Osceola, Arkansas. Patrolman Parkinson was walking his beat, the southern levee from Front Street to the Mississippi River when a female stopped him and pointed out the suspect, who had robbed her of $15 and a watch.
When the suspect saw Patrolman Parkinson approaching he fled south on Beale street. Patrolman Parkinson gave chase and at Beale Street and Clinton Street (Present day Wagner Place) a pedestrian was able to restrain the suspect. When Patrolman Parkinson approached, the suspect broke free from the pedestrian, drew a gun, shot Patrolman Parkinson in the left side and fled.
Despite his wound, Patrolman Parkinson continued to pursue the suspect, firing several shot at him. Patrolman Parkinson attempted to mount a civilians horse at Beale Street and Front Street to continue the pursuit, but was unable to because of his wound. The suspect escaped.
Patrolman Parkinson was taken to his home where he died a few hours later from his wound.
The suspect was captured in Arkansas four days later. He was convicted of Patrolman Parkinson's murder and sentenced to life in prison on January 22, 1895.
Patrolman Parkinson had served with the Memphis Police Department for only 10 months and was survived by his wife and four children.