Patrolman Guy Thomas Davis Jr.
North Carolina Highway Patrol
North Carolina

End of Watch: Tuesday, September 2, 1975
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 49
Tour of Duty: 29 years
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Guy Davis was shot and killed in Williamston when he stopped a vehicle he observed run a red light at the intersection of U.S. 17 and U.S. 64. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Davis, the vehicle contained three suspects, two men and a woman, who had just robbed a bank. When Patrolman Davis leaned down to speak with the driver he was shot in the face with a sawed-off shotgun. A doctor who witnessed the shooting and a responding Williamston officer attempted to save Patrolman Davis' life but was unsuccessful.

The three suspects fled but were later apprehended as they hid in a bean field. The three suspects were sentenced to life in prison June 30, 1977. One of the male suspects died in prison January 4, 2001. The female suspect, who was to be released from prison October 29, 2009, had her release blocked by Governor Beverly Purdue. The other male suspect, who was the shooter, remains in prison and is not being considered for parole.

Patrolman Davis was assigned to the Bertie County District. In 2004 the North Carolina Department of Transportation named a bridge on US Highway 17, at the Bertie County-Martin County line, in honor of Patrolman Davis.

Patrolman Davis was survived by his wife and two children.

 
Photograph: Patrolman Guy Thomas Davis Jr.

Patch image: North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

Visit Patrolman Davis's memorial at www.ODMP.org