Policeman Ernest Carl Armstrong

Ernest Carl Armstrong

Policeman Ernest Armstrong, Policeman Charles Holt, and Patrolman Lindsey Smith of the Tennessee Highway Patrol were shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute.

Policeman Armstrong was the first officer to arrive at the scene and was shot by the drunk suspect. The suspect opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, striking Policeman Armstrong's badge and a second shot striking his spinal cord. Although wounded, he was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the arm.

The suspect fled to a nearby church and hid in the crawl space beneath the building. Policeman Holt and Patrolman Smith responded to the church and located the suspect. Policeman Holt and the suspect exchanged shots, and Policeman Holt was fatally wounded. As the suspect came around the corner of the building, he shot Patrolman Smith twice, seriously wounding him. A second highway patrolman returned fire and killed the suspect.

Policeman Armstrong and Patrolman Lindsay were transported to Protestant Hospital, where they both succumbed to their wounds several days later.

Patrolman Armstrong had served with the Tullahoma Police Department for two years and was also a member of Tullahoma's semi-professional baseball team. He was survived by his wife and four brothers.