Christian Family Services Ministry

6-7-2023 – A Word to the Wise – What is that saying, “confession is good for the soul?”

For some time now I have considered writing about some of my experiences as a police officer. The person I was sharing this with bluntly told me it was not really of interest in this climate. So let me test that.

I was a Reserve Officer for Dallas forty-five years. The first twenty a patrol officer in the high crime area of South Dallas. This event is real; however the names are deleted.

August 14, 1982

Element 341

It is a hot afternoon 4:30 pm we are patrolling off Holmes Street when we observe a older model Ford occupied by a white male, and white female driving slowly. It is apparent that they are out of place. They seem somewhat lost. We get close enough to run the plates. “341 out of State rolling stolen’” Go ahead 341”. “Florida on Tom Mary 4567.” We wait for a reply and hang back to see what they are going to do. “341 that vehicle is stolen occupants are wanted out of Florida for armed robbery.” Apprehension washes over me. “ 341 start us some cover Gould and Park Row,” my partner turns on the red lights. And immediately the suspect’s rabbit. “343’ 311, enroute. “341 the occupants are suspect of shooting a Florida State Trooper, consider them armed and extremely dangerous.” “341 received.”

The driver makes 4 quick turns handling the vehicle expertly. However, it is apparent he is unfamiliar with the area. He finally turns up an alley southbound towards M L King. The alley is unpaved and with deep ruts and the driver immediately gets stuck. He cannot get out of the rut. We exit our vehicle my partner goes for the driver and me for the female passenger.

Suddenly, the female exits the vehicle and begins running. She sprints South with me 25 yards behind. Near to South Blvd she turns left and enters a bar on the corner of S Ervay and South Blvd. I catch up opening the bar door. Coming in from the bright sunlight I am partially blinded. The bar is dark with music playing.

I look around but do not see the suspect. The bar has about 20 black males and 3 or 4 women sitting around with one couple slowly dancing. I shout, “where did she go?” No one answered. I turn and ask the bartender where the rest rooms are, he points to the back. I go to the women’s rest room try the door and find it locked.

Backing up, I kick the door in and catch the white female bent over with her purse on the floor. She grabs a gun which has fallen out of her purse. and starts bringing the handgun up It’s a .357 revolver. I draw my weapon and scream freeze. The gun is still in her hand. I tell her to drop it or I will shoot. She hesitates.

I started pulling the trigger. But she drops her weapon. I kick it away and demand she get on the floor with her hands outstretched from her body. She obeys. The floor has urine and vomit all over it. I did not care; I consider her very dangerous. Her mannerism, the look in her eyes, how she handles the weapon. This woman is deadly.

About that time 3 officers came running into the bar. The bar owner points to the rear, and they come running in. One officer handcuffed her and hauled her out. My heart is pounding against my chest. I picked up her .357. Five unspent rounds and one spent one are in the cylinder.

We get them to jail and find out they are wanted for several holdups, and the shooting of a Florida State Trooper.

I am convinced that at some point the evil behavior of criminals causes the Lord to say enough. I earnestly believe in this circumstance the Lord had enough and the urine-stained floor of this bar became the place where the Lord pronounced judgement on this woman. It delights me to know I am a servant of the Lord in this matter, and a tool in His hand to bring an end to her evil behavior. I am just as aware the Lord intervened on my behalf and protected me. It is a memory that has stayed with me for years.