Detective Joseph A. Perkins

Joseph A. Perkins

Detective Joseph A. Perkins was shot during an arrest of a murder suspect.

Detective Perkins and his partner went to a location where the suspect’s spouse was employed. As Detective Perkins entered the establishment, his partner secured a rear window. Upon entering the room where the assailant was hiding, he was shot. The detective returned fire, but was not able to strike his target.

The responding partner waited for the shooter to come from hiding and engaged the suspect, shooting and killing him.

Detective Perkins was taken to his home where a doctor attended him. He died from his wounds two days later.

Detective Perkins had served with the Memphis Police Department for two years, and had previously served as a Deputy Sheriff in Shelby County.

Detective Perkins was survived by his wife and eight children by his first wife who preceded him in death. He was a Union Civil War Veteran having served as a private with the 10th Tennessee Infantry, Company A.