On this date (January 22) 1992 a step-father and mother lost a son, his one brother and four sisters lost a brother and Dallas lost a Police Officer.
Police Officer Harold Lee Hammons, Badge Number 5970, age 28, was accidentally shot as he and other officers assigned to a Street Crime Squad, served a search warrant at the Sunchase Apartments, 8550 Park Lane.
The occupants of a third floor apartment had been under investigation for drug sales and a search warrant was obtained after undercover officers made drug purchases.
No Knock Entry was made and as the officers entered the apartment, Officer Hammons observed a suspect in a rear bedroom seated on the floor and appearing to reach under a bed. Officer Hammons suspecting he was trying to reach a firearm or was attempting to hide drugs began towards the suspect.
Another officer was standing nearby, armed with a shotgun and securing a second suspect seated on the floor in the living room area who made a gesture as to grab the shotgun. The officer turned to prevent him from grabbing the weapon at which time the weapon discharged striking Officer Hammons in the neck area.
Officer Hammons was transported to Baylor Hospital where he died at 1:37 p.m., shortly after arrival.
The two suspects were taken into custody and charged with Possession of Drugs with Intent To Sell and for charges named in additional warrants.
The Dallas County Grand Jury returned a No Bill regarding the accidental shooting of Officer Hammons.
Police Officer Harold Lee Hammons is interred at the Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulia, Texas.