The Memphis Police Department took to social media to recall a somber chapter from its history, marking the anniversary of a tragic incident in 1869 that claimed the life of one of its officers, Captain James Somers Perry. In a detailed post on their official Facebook page, the Memphis Police Department shared that Perry was critically wounded by burglars while investigating a crime in progress.
The incident unfolded as Captain Perry, who at the time commanded the Southern District, decided to quickly investigate after spotting two suspects entering a wholesale grocers store through a basement door. According to the Memphis Police Department, "Captain Perry ran to the store where he met a night watchman who accompanied him to the open door." The watchman's role was to stand guard as Perry courageously ventured alone into the basement. Once inside, after lighting a match to see, he was swiftly met with gunfire, one shot striking him in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded and collapsing, Perry watched as the suspects fled past the watchman, who failed to capture them despite firing several shots.
Tragically, Captain Perry succumbed to his injury eight days after the attack. The post goes on to add that though one of the attackers was eventually apprehended and executed, a sense of justice seemed as distant then as the past from which it springs. The community remembered Perry not only for his dedication to his duty but also as a family man, survived by his wife and two children. His resting place is in Elmwood Cemetery, a testament to his ultimate sacrifice.
