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Chief George F. Campbell | Johnson City Police Department, Tennessee
Johnson City Police Department, Tennessee

Chief

George F. Campbell

Johnson City Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch: Wednesday, September 16, 1914

Biographical Info

Age: 53
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 16, 1914
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Chief Campbell was shot and killed as he and one of his officers attempted to arrest a man for beating his wife. As the two approached the man's home the man fired one shot, striking Chief Campbell in the forehead. The suspect fled but was caught by the other officer a short distance away. He was charged and jailed for murder. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On October 25, 1915, he and 17 other prisoners escaped from the Knoxville Jail. Five days later he was captured near Norton, Virginia. Two months later his sentence was commuted to life.

Chief Campbell was survived by his wife and two daughters.