W. E. ALEXANDER
End of Watch May 25,1904
Deputy W. E. Alexander was shot and killed in White Pine while attempting to serve a warrant on a man for carrying a pistol.
The suspect was located by Deputy Alexander in a local store. When the deputy told him he was under arrest, the man cursed at the deputy and then opened fire, fatally wounding him.
The suspect escaped but was pursued by a posse and apprehended. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In a new trial granted by the Tennessee Supreme Court he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.
Deputy Alexander was survived by his wife and three children.
JAMES LEE THOMAS
End of Watch. April 11, 1946
Constable James Thomas was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity while raiding a still near the Jefferson County - Cocke County line.
He had accompanied the county sheriff, a deputy, and another constable to the location at approximately 5:00 am. After hiking a half mile to the area the four split up to approach the still from different sides. As they arrived at the still Constable Thomas and the sheriff were fired upon by a group of federal agents from the Internal Revenue Service Alcohol Tax Unit who had the site under surveillance.
The sheriff and Constable Thomas were both struck by the gunfire, as was the other constable who ran to their aid.
All four federal agents involved in the incident were charged with murder.
Constable Thomas had served as an elected constable for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Original source can be found here
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