Detective Clarence Edward Harris

Detective Clarence Edward Harris

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Saturday, October 20, 1973

Add to My Heroes

Clarence Edward Harris

Detective Clarence Harris was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance at the Atlanta Theater at 583 Peachtree Street, NE.

He was working his secondary job at the Atlanta Theater when he attempted to break up a fight between two men. During the struggle, one of the subjects grabbed Detective Harris' gun. When Detective Harris tried to take back his gun, he was struck. A teenager was wounded while trying to assist Detective Harris.

On March 1, 1974, the suspect, 19, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years.

In March 1973, Detective Harris was shot in the face during a narcotics search.

Detective Harris was a U.S. Marine Corps Purple Heart recipient of the Vietnam War and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for almost 2 years. He was survived by his wife and a newborn daughter.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 1 year, 10 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 10 years

off duty, secondary employment

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Det. Harris,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Vietnam fighting the NVA and VC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 20, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.