Reynolds Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Saturday, January 6, 1973
Age: 63
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 6, 1973
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Police Officer William Wainwright was shot and killed with his own service weapon while arresting a suspect.
As the man was being placed in the patrol car he started resisting, gained control of Officer Wainwright's service weapon, and shot him several times.
A second officer who arrived at the scene engaged the suspect in a shootout. The suspect was shot and killed and the officer was wounded during the shootout.
Officer Wainwright had served with the Reynolds Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and two daughters.