William A Patterson

Death by Force

Patrolman William A. Patterson, a 39-year-old officer with the Alabama City Police Department, which is a predecessor agency to the Gadsden Police Department, died in the line of duty on January 1, 1912. On the day of his death, Patterson was making his rounds when he encountered an intoxicated individual in a local pool room. Following an exchange of words, the situation escalated, and Patterson was shot by the man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public.

After bei ...Read More

Patrolman William A Patterson, age 39