Sergeant George Williams, 37, was killed during a traffic intervention in Rolla, Missouri, on the evening of Saturday, May 21, 1977. A U.S. Air Force veteran who had served with the Rolla Police Department for two and a half years, Williams and a fellow uniformed officer stopped to investigate a vehicle being driven erratically. The car eventually struck a tree downtown and the officers approached the scene.

As they tried to take the driver, identified as Dennis Elms, into custody, a struggle occurred while Sergeant Williams attempted to remove Elms from the vehicle. During the confrontation the assisting officer’s revolver was accidentally discharged; the single bullet fatally struck Williams. He was taken to Phelps County Hospital and died shortly after arrival. Elms and another person fled briefly but surrendered to authorities a short time later.

Anyone who knew Sergeant Williams, the events that evening, or the individuals involved is asked to share information that might clarify what happened.