Patrolman Sammy Charles Long

Sammy Charles Long

Patrolman Sammy Long was shot and killed after making a traffic stop on US 67, five miles east of Rankin, Texas.

Patrolman Long was finishing a traffic stop when a truck passed him, traveling over 100 miles per hour. He pursued the vehicle and pulled the vehicle over. The suspect, who was AWOL from the U.S. Navy and driving a stolen vehicle, opened fire with a .32 caliber handgun as Patrolman Long approached the vehicle, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then took Patrolman Long's service weapon and shot him in the back six times as he lay on the ground.

A citizen, who was an avid deer hunter returning from a hunting trip, was stopped at a rest stop 150 yards from the traffic stop and witnessed the shooting. The man immediately retrieved his hunting rifle and shot the suspect at a range of 150 yards, killing him.

Patrolman Long had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for 18 years and was stationed at McCamey. He was survived by his wife and son.