Patrolman William Rankin Hickman

William Rankin Hickman

Patrolman William Hickman was shot and killed after responding to a weapon violation call at a bar at 924 Lynch Street.

A woman had called 911 to report that a man was chasing her with a shotgun down Lynch Street. Several minutes later another caller stated gunshots had been fired in a nearby alley.

When Patrolman Hickman and his partner arrived on the scene they encountered the man sitting in front of the bar with a shotgun on his lap. As the officers exited their patrol car the man opened fire, killing Patrolman Hickman. Patrolman Hickman's partner returned fire, wounding the suspect.

The suspect, 58, a drifter and former mental patient, was charged with murder.

Patrolman Hickman had served with the Jackson Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and three children.