Member Submission: Report from the Streets
On 1-30-03 a routine traffic stop for speeding was conducted by Officer Freddy Williams with the Marion, Arkansas P.D. Officer Williams had placed the driver in his patrol car. Meanwhile, the passenger slid over into the driver’s seat and drove off, turning the stop into a pursuit.
Officer Williams called in a pursuit to dispatch. After a short pursuit, the suspect slammed on his brakes causing Williams to make a quick stop to the left corner of the suspect’s vehicle. Officer Williams was looking eye to eye with the suspect. The suspect was pointing a gun at the officer.
Williams was shot through the windshield of his patrol car. He was struck in the face below his left eye. The suspect, still sitting in his car, continued shooting his 45 cal. into the hood and windshield causing the passenger window of Williams patrol car to shatter.
Officer Williams lay across his radios during the shooting and contacted dispatch stating shots were fired from the suspect and also called in officer down. Williams managed to exit the drivers side of his patrol car pulling his weapon and returned fire while making it to the rear of his squad car. After making it to the back of his squad car Officer Williams returned fire again striking the suspect twice in the head.
The vehicle driven by the suspect was stolen out of Memphis TN. Two handguns(45 cal & 380)along with marijuana was found in the vehicle.
Officer Freddy Williams w/m 36 yrs old was air lifted to the hospital where he underwent reconstructive surgery to his eye socket,sinus cavity,and cheekbone. His jaw was also fractured. The 45 cal. slug came to rest in Williams neck. Surgery to remove the bullet was not performed because of the location of the slug.
Officer Freddy Williams can be e-mailed at MPD412@midsouth.rr.com for any questions, comments or words of support.