On February 21, 1974, Alabama State Trooper Bobby S. Gann, age 39, was killed while responding to a stolen-vehicle call near Weston, Alabama. The pursuit led to an abandoned house off U.S. 31 about eight miles north of Prattville, where the suspect — later identified as an escaped mental patient — abandoned the car and took refuge. Trooper Gann entered the house and was shot and killed by the suspect.

Other officers surrounded the building and exchanged gunfire with the armed man; the suspect was shot and killed by responding officers. Trooper Gann had served 11 years with the Alabama Department of Public Safety and was survived by his wife and two sons.

If anyone knew Trooper Gann or has memories of the incident, please share what you remember.