Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, May 12, 1981
Add to My HeroesClarence Purvis Cox, Jr.
Lieutenant Clarence Cox was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who was wanted for escape and for the murder of a priest.
He had encountered the subject near the intersection of N Lauderdale Street and Exchange Avenue and attempted to take him into custody.
The suspect was able to gain control of Lieutenant Cox's service weapon and shoot him with it. The man was later arrested in Jackson, Tennessee. He was sentenced to death but later murdered in prison by other death row inmates.
Lieutenant Cox was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Memphis Police Department for 22 years.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 99
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Killed in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsI believe today would have been your 94th birthday. Rest in peace Lt. Cox. The citizens of Memphis have not forgotten your life, career and heroically humble sacrifice.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 18, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Garrett Crumby
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: March 28, 2023
Corporal Scotty Canezaro
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023
Sergeant David Poirrier
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023
Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Jeremy McCain
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023
Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023
Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023
Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023
Correctional Officer Jay Miller
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: February 11, 2023