Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Stevens was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect. Patrolman Stevens was a rookie policeman who was getting off duty at the time of the call for assistance, and he volunteered to go on the call. He heard a gunshot from the 300 block of Vance Avenue and ran to investigate. When he arrived, he encountered a drunken suspect who had just shot his friend after an argument. Patrolman Stevens drew his weapon and ordered the suspect to drop his gun. The suspect stated, "No one is going to take my gun," and fired, striking Patrolman Stevens in the chest. Before he fell to the ground, Patrolman Steven was able to fire two shots, critically wounding the suspect. Patrolman Stevens was taken to Saint Joseph's Hospital where he died from his wound. The subject was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Patrolman Stevens had served with the Memphis Police Department for over one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two teenage daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-CDD506E5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Stevens gave the Memphis Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Stevens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles F. Stevens is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles F. Stevens's cause is highlighted.
How Charles F. Stevens Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles F. Stevens is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles F. Stevens was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
