Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Monday, March 11, 1974
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 3 months
Badge Number: 2207
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 11, 1974
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Police Officer Gerald Morrison was attacked and then shot while he and his partner checked on a suspicious person at the Blue Flame Lounge at 17199 Dequindre Street.
The bar was known for gambling, drugs, and serving after hours. The officers thought they saw a man who had been wanted in a previous robbery enter the establishment and followed. Officer Morrison was in plain clothes, and as he walked into the bar, he was struck from behind with a chair. When he was knocked to the ground, Officer Morrison was shot by the bar owner, who said he mistook the officers for robbers. Officer Morrison was then struck with the chair several more times. The bar owner was shot and killed by Officer Morrison's partner.
The suspect that the officers had initially sought escaped in the confusion.
Officer Morrison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, had served with the Detroit Police Department for nearly two and a half years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and parents.