In the late summer of 1963, a violent encounter in Colbert County, Alabama, claimed the life of Sheriff Hermon 'Red' Cook. On August 18, Sheriff Cook, along with Chief of Police James Pace of the Littleville Police Department and other deputies, attempted to arrest a suspected bootlegger. The man, identified as Thornton, ambushed the officers.
During the confrontation, a single blast from a firearm struck both Sheriff Cook and Chief Pace as they raised their heads from behind cover in
high grass. Chief Pace died instantly at the scene, while Sheriff Cook succumbed to his wounds a short time later. Two other deputies were also wounded in the attack. The incident prompted a massive manhunt involving approximately 300 law enforcement officers.
The day after the deadly shooting, the suspect, Thornton, surrendered to two patrolmen. Relatives of Thornton had informed searchers that he had been diagnosed with cancer and believed he did not have long to live, suggesting he felt he had little to lose. While awaiting trial for the murders of the two lawmen, Thornton was found dead in his cell at the Franklin County Jail on September 3, 1963. Following Sheriff Cook's death, his wife, Frances Cook, was appointed to serve out the remainder of his term as sheriff of Colbert County.
