Media

Car Theft Suspect Killed As He Tries To Run Over Deputy

Release Date: July 20, 2004

Shelby County Sheriff’s Investigators say a man with a lengthy criminal past has been identified as the person who tried to run over a Sheriff’s Office Patrolman yesterday.

Deputies say Earl Williams, Sr., 42 of Memphis, died of gunshot wounds after being shot by Patrolman Richard (Clay) Aitken.

Earl Williams, Sr.	Deputy Richard (Clay) Aitken

Investigators say Aitken observed Williams’ car about four o’clock yesterday afternoon near Bartlett at a convenience store at the corner of Old Brownsville Road and Germantown Road. He checked the black Chevy Blazer’s license and discovered the car had been stolen in Memphis last Tuesday (July 13).

As Williams pulled away from the store, Patrolman Aitken followed the vehicle. As Williams’ vehicle turned east onto North Westbrook, the deputy turned on his blue lights and siren, and informed the dispatcher that Williams refused to stop.

Williams’ vehicle then suddenly turned into the yard of a vacant house at the corner of North Westbrook at North Germantown Road. He began driving erratically on the lawn. When Williams’ car stopped, a passenger in the car jumped out and ran into the woods.

As Deputy Aitken got out of his patrol car and approached Williams, the deputy said Williams pressed the car’s accelerator and attempted to run him over. Deputy Aitken then fired shots at the vehicle which struck Williams. Williams died a short time later at the Regional Medical Center.

Earl Williams has been arrested 19 times since 1985. He’s been convicted of many thefts as well as robbery with a deadly weapon.

Patrolman Richard (Clay) Aitken, 33, has been assigned to the Patrol Division since 2001. He was hired in April of 1997.

Today, investigators continue searching for the man who ran from Williams’ vehicle yesterday. Deputies say they believe they know who he is.