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Special Policeman Clark Washington | Orange Police Department, Texas
Orange Police Department, Texas

Special Policeman

Clark Washington

Orange Police Department, Texas

End of Watch: Saturday, April 4, 1891

Biographical Info

Age: 41
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 4, 1891
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Archie Washington, no relation

Orange Special Policeman Clark Washington confronted Archie Washington at a town hall meeting when he saw Archie had a pistol. When Officer Washington attempted to arrest him, Archie drew his pistol and shot the officer to death.

Archie Washington was sentenced to life in prison but had his case overturned on appeal. He was sentenced to death at his second trial. He appealed again but escaped from jail for a few days. The appeals court dismissed his appeal because of the escape.

Archie Washington was legally hanged in Orange on July 26, 1892.

Officer Clark Washington was one of the earliest line of duty deaths by African American officers in Texas.