Incident
Policeman Charles Holt, Policeman Ernest Armstrong, and Patrolman Lindsey Smith, of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, were shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute. Policeman Armstrong was the first officer to arrive at the scene and was shot by the drunk suspect. The suspect opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, striking Policeman Armstrong's badge and a second shot striking his spinal cord. Although wounded, he was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the arm. The suspect fled to a nearby church and hid in the crawl space beneath the building. Policeman Holt and Patrolman Smith responded to the church and located the suspect. Policeman Holt and the suspect exchanged shots and Policeman Holt was fatally wounded. As the suspect came around the corner of the building he shot Patrolman Smith twice, seriously wounding him. A second highway patrolman returned fire and killed the suspect. Policeman Armstrong and Patrolman Smith were transported to Protestant Hospital where they both succumbed to their wounds several days later.
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BO-US-TN-47FB23A3- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Holt served with the Tullahoma Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Tullahoma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Holt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Charles Daniel Holt is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Tullahoma Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Daniel Holt's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Daniel Holt Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Daniel Holt is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Daniel Holt was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Tullahoma Police Department are honored on badge.nw.



