Mineola Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Friday, July 14, 1950
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 12, 1950
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Chief Wesley Taylor was shot and killed by a county constable following a dispute over jurisdiction.
Chief Taylor had responded to an automobile accident at the intersection of Pacific and Broad Streets involving a local resident and an out-of-state motorist. The individuals involved in the accident had exchanged information and were preparing to leave when the constable arrived and demanded that the out-of-state motorist be arrested.
After a brief scuffle between the two law officers, the two decided to go to the Justice of the Peace. When they arrived at the court they found the doors to be locked. As they walked away, the constable suddenly pulled out his gun and shot Chief Taylor in the side. Chief Taylor was able to return fire and killed the constable. Chief Taylor succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Chief Taylor had been in law enforcement for 25 years and is survived by his wife and four children.