Detective Ambrose M. Smith

Detective Ambrose M. Smith

Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, July 8, 1927

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Ambrose M. Smith

Detective Ambrose Smith, Patrolman William Terry, and Patrolman Clyde Morgan were shot and killed while conducting a liquor raid on a house at Shenandoah Avenue and 22nd Street, NW.

The officers surrounded the house when a pistol shot suddenly rang out. In the ensuing shootout, all three officers were fatally wounded.

Patrolman Terry was struck in the head and succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Patrolman Morgan was struck in the abdomen and succumbed to his wounds two days later. Detective Smith succumbed to his wounds two years later. The suspect was apprehended a few days later and sentenced to life plus 18 years.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, July 1, 1925
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

alcohol violation, search warrant

Most Recent Reflection

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Ambrose was my great, great uncle. Thanks for this. I heard his name all my life, but never heard this story.

June Halladay
Great great neice

August 5, 2020

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