Birmingham Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Thursday, November 29, 1979
Add to My HeroesAlbert Eugene Ballard
Sergeant Albert Ballard was shot and killed by a bank robbery suspect at 2nd Avenue and 19th Street North in downtown Birmingham.
Sergeant Ballard was on patrol when he pulled to the curb and called a potential suspect over to his patrol car. The suspect shot Sergeant Ballard at point-blank range, killing him. The suspect was pursued by Birmingham officers and U.S. Marshals and was shot after firing at two officers.
The suspect was wanted in connection to another bank robbery in Atlanta. The handgun used against Sergeant Ballard was the same handgun that was taken from a slain Atlanta bank guard. On May 25, 1985, after three mistrials, the suspect was convicted of murdering Sergeant Ballard and sentenced to life without parole.
Sergeant Ballard had served with the Birmingham Police Department for 20 years and was killed two days before he was to retire. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsRest in peace Sergeant Ballard.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 12, 2022
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