In the early spring of 1923, a dedicated lawman's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty near Camden, Arkansas. Constable Warner Garner, a 30-year-old male, was a respected officer serving the community of Ouachita County. On March 15th, he and another officer ventured to the small nearby settlement of Millville with the difficult and dangerous task of apprehending a known desperate character. The situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
As the officers attempted to make the arrest, the suspect, whose name has been lost to time, opened fire on them without warning. Constable Garner was struck and mortally wounded in the ensuing chaos. Despite his grave injuries, his training and instincts took over. He managed to return fire, his aim true, and the suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire. His courageous actions in his final moments ensured that this dangerous individual would no longer pose a threat to the community.
Following the shootout, Constable Garner was rushed to Davis Hospital in Pine Bluff in a desperate attempt to save his life. However, the severity of his wounds proved to be too great. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, on March 16, 1923, leaving behind a grieving wife and four small children. As the sole perpetrator was killed at the scene, there were no further arrests or suspects in the case of Constable Warner Garner's untimely death. His ultimate sacrifice remains a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who dedicate their lives to upholding the law.
