Patrolman Wallace Lawson

Wallace Lawson

Patrolman Lawson was shot and killed after responding to a disorderly person call at a cafe. The suspect began to argue with Patrolman Lawson when the officer entered the cafe shortly after the suspect had caused a disturbance and attacked a waiter. The suspect then walked across the street and began cursing Patrolman Lawson. When Patrolman Lawson started towards the suspect, the suspect ran home and obtained a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs.


As Patrolman Lawson went onto the house's front porch, the suspect came out the back of the house and ran around the side. He fired twice at Patrolman Lawson. The first shot was deflected by Patrolman Lawson's duty belt. The second shot hit Patrolman Lawson in the chest. He died moments after being shot.


The suspect fled, going to Kansas City. He was arrested without incident the next day after returning to Jefferson City. Two months later he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years hard labor.