In the spring of 1933, a domestic disturbance on Main Street in Malvern, Arkansas, tragically cut short the life of Malvern Police Chief Clyde Franklin Davis. On Friday, April 21, 1933, Chief Davis responded to a call at a local residence. The situation escalated, and the 42-year-old male police chief was fatally shot. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, on April 22, 1933.
The incident also claimed the life of another officer, Patrolman Leslie Lee Potts.
Patrolman Potts, who was off duty at the time, was aware that Chief Davis had responded to the disturbance and knew the suspect involved. He went to the scene to assist. Upon his arrival, he encountered the armed individual. Although he managed to temporarily de-escalate the situation, a sudden noise startled the suspect, who then fired at Patrolman Potts, killing him instantly.
The suspect, who was responsible for the deaths of both Chief Davis and Patrolman Potts, was also shot and killed at the scene of the crime. The weapon used in the fatal shootings was a. 22 caliber rifle. Chief Davis was survived by his wife and five sons.
