Pittsylvania County Constable's Office, Virginia
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 20, 1936
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 5, 1936
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Constable David Payne succumbed to injuries sustained six weeks earlier when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver on the Franklin Turnpike.
Constable Payne was making an arrest of an intoxicated man when another man attempted to free the suspect. A large group of people surrounded the officer. Some of the group attempted to assist Constable Payne as the others watched the activity. During the arrest, a car was driven into the group of people, killing two bystanders instantly and seriously injuring Constable Payne.
Constable Payne was transported to Memorial Hospital with compound leg fractures which caused his death.
Constable Payne had served as an elected Pittsylvania County constable for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, parents, and nine siblings.