Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, February 17, 1999
Add to My HeroesMelvin Claxton
Patrolman Claxton suffered a fatal heart attack during a foot chase of a jail escapee.
The suspect, in prison for murder, had escaped from the County jail at approximately 3:00 a.m. by climbing out of the ventilation ducts. At approximately 4:15 p.m., the suspect stole a truck and was immediately engaged in a pursuit by a nearby deputy. Patrolman Claxton joined the vehicle pursuit, which ended a few minutes later. The deputy and Patrolman Claxton then chased the 19-year-old suspect on foot until he was captured.
Patrolman Claxton then began having trouble breathing and collapsed. He was transported to Bedford County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Patrolman Claxton had served with the Shelbyville Police Department for 19 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 19 years
- Badge 448
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
Most Recent Reflection
View all 22 ReflectionsPatrolman Claxton,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Shelbyville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
February 17, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025