In the spring of 2001, the city of Atlanta lost a dedicated public servant in a sudden act of violence. Sherry Lyons-Williams, a 39-year-old female investigator with the Atlanta Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on April 4, 2001. Her death marked a tragic milestone as she became the first female officer in the history of the department to be killed while serving the citizens of Atlanta.
On that fateful Wednesday afternoon, Investigator Lyons-Williams and her partner,
Thaddeus 'T.J.' Chambers, were part of a narcotics team executing a 'buy-bust' operation in southeast Atlanta. Earlier in the day, undercover officers had successfully purchased drugs from a residence at 1855 Lakewood Terrace. With a search warrant in hand, Lyons-Williams, Chambers, and other officers returned to the dilapidated gray bungalow to make an arrest. The team breached the door, with one part of the team heading upstairs while Lyons-Williams and Chambers descended towards the basement.
As they navigated a hallway, a bedroom door was flung open, and a man inside began shooting. The gunman was identified as 30-year-old Michael Thompson. Investigator Lyons-Williams was struck in the chest by a bullet from a. 45 caliber handgun. Despite wearing a bulletproof vest, the round tragically found a gap and inflicted a fatal wound to her heart. Her partner, Investigator Chambers, was also hit by gunfire, sustaining wounds to his knee and face. In a heroic act, the wounded Chambers returned fire, killing the suspect, Michael Thompson, at the scene.
Both officers were rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, but Investigator Lyons-Williams succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. Her partner's injuries were not life-threatening. The death of the 13-year veteran of the police force sent shockwaves through the Atlanta Police Department and the wider community. Described as a fearless and dedicated officer with a warm personality, Sherry Lyons-Williams was remembered by her colleagues for her quiet confidence and commitment to her work. Because the sole suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire, no arrests were made in connection with her death.
