In the late hours of a March evening in Americus, Georgia, Police Officer William R. Morris, a male, embarked on what would be his final call. On March 10, 1907, he and another officer were tasked with serving an arrest warrant for a minor offense of disorderly conduct. They made their way to the subject's home to carry out their duty.
As Officer Morris stepped into the darkened residence, he struck a match to illuminate the space. In that brief flicker of light, the subject, who was lying in bed, fired two shots. The bullets found their mark, striking Officer Morris in the abdomen and throat. The gunman then fled the scene, leaving the wounded officer behind. Officer Morris was rushed to Americus Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later on March 12, 1907. He had served with the Americus Police Department for six years.
The man who shot Officer Morris fled to a nearby home on Davenport Street. He was soon surrounded by other officers. Several hours later, as two officers approached the house to arrest him, the man opened fire on them, wounding one. In the ensuing confrontation, the suspect was shot and killed by the officers.
