Deputy City Marshal William E. Patterson

William E. Patterson

Deputy William Patterson died of a gunshot wound he received the previous day after responding to a disturbance call at a local church.

When Deputy Patterson arrived he found that three suspects had broken several Windows at the church. As he attempted to take the suspects into custody, one of the suspects drew a hidden handgun and shot Deputy Patterson in the abdomen. Deputy Patterson died the next day from the wound.

The chief suspect was a 17-year old youth named Patillo Higgins. He was injured by the officer and later lost an arm due to gangrene. He was acquitted by reason of self defense.

Deputy Patterson had served with the Beaumont Police Department for 8 years.