Jefferson City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Monday, April 2, 1934
Age: 56
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 2, 1934
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 5 years
Patrolman Wallace Lawson was shot and killed after responding to a disorderly person call at a cafe.
The suspect began to argue with Patrolman Lawson when the officer entered the cafe shortly after the suspect had caused a disturbance and attacked a waiter. The suspect then walked across the street and began cursing Patrolman Lawson. When Patrolman Lawson started towards the suspect, the suspect ran home and obtained a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs.
As Patrolman Lawson went onto the house's front porch, the suspect came out of the back of the house and ran around the side. He fired twice at Patrolman Lawson. The first shot was deflected by Patrolman Lawson's duty belt. The second shot hit Patrolman Lawson in the chest. He died moments after being shot.
The suspect fled, going to Kansas City. He was arrested without incident the next day after returning to Jefferson City. Two months later, he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years of hard labor.
He was survived by his wife and son.