Patrolman James Powell Hays

Photo of Patrolman James Powell Hays
End of Watch: Sat, Dec 21st, 1935
Date of Incident: Sat, Dec 21st, 1935
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Intentional)
Service Time: 5 months
Age: 34

Survivors

His wife Nell and three daughters

Incident

Patrolman Hays and Patrolman Robert Rowland were shot and killed while attempting to question two brothers about a stolen automobile at the garage they operated in Franklin. One of the brothers was sentenced to life and one was sentenced to six years.

The suspect who was released after only six years went on to murder Deputy Sheriff Melvin Fleming, of the Davidson County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Department, and Detective Charles Mundy, of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department. The two were murdered after Deputy Fleming attempted to arrest the man in a restaurant for being drunk in public. The suspect was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout.

Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Agency

Kentucky Highway Patrol Patch
Kentucky State Police Patch
The Kentucky Highway Patrol has been disbanded and absorbed by the Kentucky State Police.

Tributes

There are currently no tributes for Patrolman James Powell Hays.