On an autumn day in Tucson, Arizona, the life of 27-year-old Officer Barry W. Headricks was cut short in a violent confrontation. On October 28, 1974, Headricks, a five-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, was participating in an undercover narcotics raid at the Colony Apartments on 8th Street. He had been a part of the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad for just over a year and had arranged to purchase two ounces of heroin from a resident of a second-floor apartment. After completing the deal, Officer Headricks left to confirm the authenticity of the drugs.
He returned a short time later with a team of nine other agents and a Deputy County Attorney to conduct a search of the apartment. As the officers entered, the situation quickly escalated. One of the men inside the apartment, identified as Rufus Mincey, opened fire on the officers. Officer Headricks was struck by the gunfire and fatally wounded. In the ensuing shootout, three of the individuals in the apartment sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Headricks was rushed to University Hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds within the hour.
Following the tragic event, Rufus Mincey was apprehended and ultimately faced legal consequences for his actions. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Officer Headricks. However, in March of 2000, Mincey was granted parole and released from prison. Officer Headricks was survived by his parents and a sister.
