Patrolman Charles Gordon Cox

Charles Gordon Cox

Patrolman Cox was shot and killed when he and his partner interrupted a robbery in progress at 3rd and Chestnut Streets.

When the suspect saw the patrolmen, he stepped away from the robbery victim and opened fire on the officers, mortally wounding Patrolman Cox. The suspect then fled into a nearby alley. Patrolman Cox's partner transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two Alabama Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene and shot and killed the suspect in an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was identified as a man who had shot and wounded a Birmingham officer the previous day.

Patrolman Cox had served with the Gadsden Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.