In the winter of 1909, Clinton County Constable James I. 'Ive' Hammons was tasked with serving a summons to a man in Albany, Kentucky. The man had refused to appear as a witness before a grand jury, and it fell to Constable Hammons to ensure he complied with the law. On Wednesday, January 13th, Hammons located the individual at a local store and duly informed him of the legal summons.
The man, however, had no intention of obeying. In a sudden and violent act of defiance, he produced a pistol and opened fire on the constable. Despite being mortally wounded, Constable Hammons managed to return fire, striking his assailant five times. The exchange of gunfire left both men critically injured.
Constable James I. 'Ive' Hammons, a male, succumbed to his gunshot wound the following day, on Thursday, January 14, 1909. He was the elected constable of the 3rd District. The suspect, whose name was not released in the available records, was hospitalized for several weeks and recovered from his injuries. He was subsequently charged with the murder of Constable Hammons. Following his recovery, the suspect was released after posting a $3,000 bond.
