Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Monday, August 5, 1946
Age: 63
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 5, 1946
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Executed
Sergeant Holcombe Woodson was shot and killed at Catlett, Virginia, as he and another railroad detective approached a man to question him about freight thefts. Before the detectives even spoke to the man, he produced a .22 caliber handgun and opened fire.
One of the shots struck Sergeant Woodson in the neck, mortally wounding him. He was transported to Warrenton Hospital where he succumbed to the wound.
The suspect fled but was arrested. He was subsequently convicted of murder and executed.
Sergeant Woodson had served with the Southern Railroad Police Department for 31 years. He was survived by his wife.