Patrolman John F. Smith, Kingsport Police Department, Tennessee

Patrolman John F. Smith

Kingsport Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, April 13, 1925

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John F. Smith

Patrolman John Smith and Deputy Sheriff Hubert Webb, of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed as they and other officers attempted to arrest a fugitive.

The officers were involved in a running gun battle with the man along the banks of the Holston River just below the Old Kingsport underpass.

The suspect, 18, was wanted for murdering Deputy Sheriff Murdock McIntosh, of the Greene County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Department, on December 24th, 1924.

As the officers approached, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding both officers. The suspect was apprehended and died on March 9, 1958, while serving his sentence in a penitentiary in Parchman, Mississippi.

Patrolman Smith is buried in Pyles Cemetery, Sullivan County, Tennessee.

Bio

Age 35
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Died in prison

murder suspect, warrant service

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Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kingsport. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 13, 2025