In the late summer of 1931, a veteran lawman's life was tragically cut short on the streets of Florence, Alabama. Constable William F. Barr, a 65-year-old male with 25 years of service to Lauderdale County, was killed in the line of duty.
On the evening of August 4th, around 8:15 p.m., Constable Barr accompanied the county sheriff to a residence at 441 North Court. They had received intelligence that a man wanted for robbery was at the location.
As the two officers approached, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. During a search of the suspect, a struggle ensued. The wanted man managed to grab the sheriff's pistol and fired, striking Constable Barr in the face and killing him instantly.
In the ensuing chaos, the suspect also shot the sheriff in the hand before making his escape, disappearing into the McFarland Bottoms area. A manhunt for the gunman lasted for twelve days. The suspect was eventually located, and during the attempt to arrest him, he reportedly drew a weapon. Law enforcement officers on the scene shot and killed the suspect.
Constable Barr was survived by his wife and their eight sons.
