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Incident
Policeman Ernest Armstrong, Policeman Charles Holt, 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 Lindsay were transported to Protestant Hospital, where they both succumbed to their wounds several days later. Patrolman Armstrong had served with the Tullahoma Police Department for two years and was also a member of Tullahoma's semi-professional baseball team.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Armstrong gave the Tullahoma Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tullahoma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Armstrong.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tullahoma Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Ernest is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1934, 7 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ernest was 39. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Ernest had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Ernest was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ernest was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Mondays: 12%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Tullahoma Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Tullahoma Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Ernest among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Tullahoma Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
