Patrolman James Solon Hildreth

Patrolman James Solon Hildreth

Lenoir City Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Sunday, January 27, 1952

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James Solon Hildreth

Patrolman Jim Hildreth was shot and killed trying to apprehend a group of suspects in an attempted vehicle theft on Rock Spring Road.

Patrolman Hildreth was hit by a rain of bullets from a group of teenagers. The fatal shot to the officer was a shot between the eyes in the exchange of bullets with occupants of a get-a-way car which was leaving the scene of a theft attempt. He died a few hours later in a Knoxville hospital.

Four boys and two girls were apprehended a short time later. Two of the boys, ages 19 and 18, were convicted of voluntary manslaughter. One was sentenced to 2 to 5 years and the other to 2 years in prison. The other two, ages 19 and 17, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one year in the county jail. The girls were released.

Patrolman Hildreth was a WWII veteran and served with the Lenoir City Police Department for three months. He was survived by his expectant wife, two daughters, a brother, and a sister. His son was born later and resembles him.

He was buried in Banks cemetery.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 3 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, January 26, 1952
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced for manslaughter

juvenile offender, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Daddy today is 11/11/23, Veteran's Day - Wish you were here to celebrate this day with you. You now have 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandsons. Mother passed away in February 2016 and we miss her as well as you every day.

With all my love,
Carolyn

CAROLYN AGEE
Daughter

November 11, 2023

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