In Jackson, Tennessee, a veteran police officer's long career came to a tragic and violent end. Sergeant Andy Thaddeus Bailey, a 52-year-old officer with 31 years of service to the Jackson Police Department, was nearing his retirement. On June 17, 2004, he was killed in the line of duty following a high-speed chase and a deadly confrontation with a robbery suspect.
The events that led to Sergeant Bailey's death began around 9:00 a.m. at the Old Hickory Mall.
A suspect, later identified as Michael Hart, snatched a woman's purse and fired a shot into the air as he fled. Responding officers quickly located the suspect, and a vehicle pursuit ensued through the streets of Jackson. Hart drove recklessly, reaching speeds of 60 to 65 miles per hour and ramming several police vehicles in an attempt to escape. The chase came to an end when Hart crashed his vehicle into two other cars on North Highland Avenue at the intersection with Orleans.
After the crash, Hart exited his vehicle with a pistol and attempted to flee on foot. Sergeant Bailey was one of the officers who had cornered Hart at a dry cleaners. As Hart tried to get away, he aimed his pistol through the passenger side window of Bailey's patrol car and shot the sergeant twice, striking him in the abdomen and the leg. Sergeant Bailey was rushed to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was also shot multiple times by responding officers.
Following the incident, Michael Hart was taken into custody. He was later convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Sergeant Bailey and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sergeant Bailey, a husband and father to two sons and a daughter, was remembered by his community and fellow officers for his dedicated service and bravery.
