On a September evening in 1986, 29-year-old Crossville Police Department Patrolman Stevie L. Thompson was conducting a traffic stop on Justice Street after pulling over a woman suspected of driving under the influence. After the woman was arrested, her two adult sons—also intoxicated—confronted Thompson and a physical struggle followed. One of the sons gained control of Thompson’s service weapon and fatally shot him in the head. The three family members fled after freeing the mother but were arrested a short time later. The shooter was convicted and sentenced to life in prison; he has been denied parole multiple times, most recently in January 2023, with a next hearing set for January 2028. Thompson had been on the Crossville force only four weeks, having previously served with the Geraldine and Collinsville departments, and left behind an expectant wife and a young daughter; a second daughter was born three months after his death.

If anyone remembers Patrolman Thompson, his traffic stop that night, or the events on Justice Street, please share what you know.