Patrolman Billy Doyle Patterson

Billy Doyle Patterson

Patrolmen Billy Patterson and Wayne Henebry were shot and killed after Patrolman Patterson had made a traffic stop.

The man he had stopped had previously stated that he would kill the first police officer he saw. As a gunfight ensued, Patrolman Patterson called for assistance. Patrolman Henebry arrived and both officers were shot and killed. The suspect then went to his wife's house in order to kill her as well. However, his son was at the house and shot and killed the man.

Patrolman Patterson had served with the Columbia Police Department for 12 years and had previously served with the United States Navy in the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife and four children.