Lieutenant Vincent Lucarini

Vincent Lucarini

Lieutenant Lucarini was shot and killed while pursuing suspect who had shot and killed Patrolman Polk Caraway just minutes earlier.

At approximately 9:45 am four men attempting to rob the payroll car of the Ford Motor Company on Union Street. The suspect opened fire as the payroll was being brought into a building. Patrolman Caraway was instantly killed. His partner was wounded. A Ford Motor Company guard was also killed.

Lieutenant Lucarini was at Police Headquarters when the alarm was sounded. He flagged down a car driven by a civilian and, along with two other officers, pursued the suspects. As the car neared the town of Collierville, they were met with a hail of gunfire by a posse who thought they were the suspects. Lieutenant Lucarini was struck and killed by one shot.

Later that night three suspect were arrested. Three days later the fourth suspect was arrested. All four suspects were convicted of murder and attempted robbery and sentenced to life.