Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, October 12, 1999
Add to My HeroesDon Lee Overton
Patrolman Don Overton was killed when his patrol car was struck by a stolen vehicle being chased by other officers.
Patrolman Overton, who was not involved in the pursuit, was pulling out of a side street when his patrol car was broadsided by the vehicle at the intersection of N Hollywood Street and Staten Avenue. The vehicle was traveling at an estimated 100 mph when it struck Patrolman Overton's patrol car. Patrolman Overton was extricated from his patrol car and flown to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. All four of the suspects were seriously injured in the crash.
The driver of the vehicle was initially convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison. The sentence was overturned in February 2004 because the jury was not given instructions to consider lesser sentences. The driver was retried and found guilty of first-degree murder on October 14th, 2005. Three other members of the gang pleaded guilty to lesser charges. The gang leader was charged with sending the driver and his crew on the shoplifting spree pleaded guilty to aiding in murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Patrolman Overton had served with the Memphis Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his expectant wife.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 1533
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Convicted of murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsTo everyone that has viewed this, responded to it, or has been affected by it. May God hold you close to his heart. Don was a committed police officer. I learned more about him in death than I knew in life and he was my brother in law. A wonderful elderly woman came up to and said, “ Officer Overton came to my house once a week to do my grocery shopping. You see I can walk very well.” She stood in line for three house to tell us that at the receiving of friends. I’m not sure that I have been more touched by anyone’s words or deeds. When he died, they found the “ The Lord is my Shepherd” in his pocket. May Hod keep officers safe. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, but may we experience today to it’s fullest.
Alan Pinkard, DDS
Brother in law
May 5, 2021
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