Deputy Sheriff David Yancey

David Yancey

Deputy Sheriff David Yancey was stabbed to death by a man he attempted to arrest for purse snatching.

Deputy Yancey was walking on Whitehall Street near Forsyth Street when he heard the cry of, "stop thief", and saw a man being chased by several men. Deputy Yancey joined the chase, outdistanced the other pursuers, and caught the suspect at 33 Windsor Street. The suspect resisted arrest and lunged a long knife into the deputy's heart.

The suspect hid under a nearby vacant house where he was surrounded by several Atlanta policemen. Refusing to surrender he was shot six times and killed. It was later discovered that he was an escaped convict and wanted in another state for murder.

Deputy Sheriff Yancey was survived by his wife and eight children.