1939

June 30, 1939
Gunfire at 1200 Franklin

DOB – 04/25/1899, Age 40
Badge – 259
Final Resting Place – Rocksprings, Dialville, TX

Houston Police Officer George D. Edwards was shot and killed during a struggle with an auto theft suspect at the corner of Fannin and Congress on Friday, June, 30, 1939. Houston Police Detective S.T. Roe was also wounded during the shootout. The following is an account from several eyewitnesses, who were present during the confrontation:

W.H. Everett, of 1712 Elysian, had parked his car in the 300 block of Fannin and upon returning to it at approximately 9 p.m., found a man dressed in cowboy boots, red and blue stripped shirt, and green pants, inside his car attempting to start the engine. As Everett approached, the suspect got out of the car and began walking toward Congress. Everett followed him. At Preston and Fannin, the suspect met another mile, dressed in white, and this man heard to ask the suspect, "What's the matter, can't you get it started?" The two males then split up and Everett continued to follow the suspect. Everett caught sight of two police officers (Edwards and G.H. Harrell) who were walking on Fannin toward Congress. Everett approached the officers and explained what had happened. Edwards and Harrell then ran after the suspect, catching up to him at Fannin and Congress. Two detectives, S.T. Roe and R. Seay, were driving by this location and stopped to aid the officers.

As the officers questioned the suspect, Carl Adams, about the auto theft, Rice patted Adams down and felt a pistol in his right front pocket. Adams at the time had his hand inside of his pocket. Roe then told Adams to get his hand out of his pocket and Adams refused stating, "Let me go and I'll give you the gun." The officers grabbed Adams in an attempt to get the gun and an intense struggle ensued. Adams broke free from the officers, spun around, and opened fire on them, striking Edwards one time in the head and Roe in the arm. Roe pulled his pistol and returned fire, dropping Adams to the pavement, hitting him three times. Adams died at the scene.

Edwards was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Joseph's Infirmary. Officer George D. Edwards, 40, had been a member of the Houston Police Department for a period of 12 years.

Officer G.D. Edwards is survived by his wife; daughter Kathryn Farmer; son, Kenneth Edwards; grandson, Thomas Farmer; parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Edwards; brothers J.B., France, Bill and Charlie; and sisters, Dora Berry and Mrs. Dear.

Source – Houston Police Department Museum Files