Tragedy struck the Charlotte Police Department a second time in 1929, when
night Detective Thomas H. Jenkins was fatally wounded during the early morning hours of
October 21 at First and Davidson Street.He and another detective were making an arrest
to quell a disturbance at that corner, when one subject seized a riot gun held by the
other detective. A scuffle ensued, resulting in the gun being fired, hitting Detective
Jenkins in the abdomen.
He had been with the York County, South Carolina Sheriff's Department from 1909 to
1924, when he joined the police force here. Funeral services for the 48 year old officer,
described as "one of the most respected members of the City Police Department,"
were held on October 22 at Allen Street Baptist Church with his fellow officers
serving as active and honorary pallbearers.
