Thomas Abrams

Patrolman Thomas Abrams was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a club on East Valley Street, near Henry Street. He was attempting to arrest a man when the subject produced a .22 caliber revolver and shot him in the chest. The suspect was captured at his home still holding the pistol. He was subsequently committed to a mental hospital in Columbia. He was released after spending 12 years in the facility. Patrolman Abrams was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Spartanburg Police Department for 11 years. He is believed to be the first African American hired by the department.