In the city of Saint-Louis, Missouri, a dedicated male police sergeant by the name of William Campbell tragically lost his life in the line of duty. At forty-one years of age, Sergeant Campbell was a veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department with twelve years of service. His life was cut short on a Wednesday, the 30th of May, 1979, in a sudden and violent encounter.
The events unfolded in front of the 6th District Police Station located on Ruskin Avenue.
Sergeant Campbell was walking out of the station when he was confronted by an individual who had managed to gain access to his police car. The subject had begun to use the vehicle's radio, drawing the sergeant's attention. As Sergeant Campbell approached, the individual was able to access the shotgun that was kept inside the patrol car.
Without warning, the suspect fired the shotgun, striking Sergeant Campbell in the chest. The wound proved to be fatal, and the sergeant succumbed to his injuries at the scene. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, as the perpetrator attempted to flee, other officers who were present responded swiftly. The suspect was shot and killed by the other officers during his escape attempt, bringing a grim and immediate end to the violent episode. Sergeant Campbell was survived by his wife and daughter, leaving behind a family and a police department to mourn his sudden and tragic loss.
