What Really Happened When Lester Stone Died, Jan. 11, 1922

Wilkes Boy Is Killed by Officer. . . Stray Bullet Hits Young Man in Head when He Tries to Escape. Liquor in Auto.

Reidsville, Jan. 9—It develops that Lester Stone was not killed by an automobile accident, but met his death by a bullet fired at him by one of the Reidsville officers. A true version of the affair follows: Lester Stone, aged 19, of Schoolfield, Va., was shot through the head and instantly killed Saturday night at 7 o’clock four miles north of Reidsville on the Danville road, by Reidsville officers. Stone had the reputation of being a whiskey transporter and the officers were on the lookout for him. Chief C.W. Jackson had received a tip that he was on his way to Reidsville with a load of whiskey and together with officers Norman, Carrol, Turpin and Deputy Sheriff Jas. Mobley, went out on the Danville road to intercept the whiskey car. The force was divided into two squads, Jackson and Carrol concealing themselves behind a barn further down the road.

One car was held up prior to the arrival of Stone’s car but was allowed to proceed just as Stone’s car came in sight. Stone slowed down his car at Jackson’s command to stop, but when Officer Carroll with his flash light disclosed the police badges and uniforms Stone stepped on the gas and attempted to get away. Chief Jackson fired at one of the wheels of the escaping car and this was a signal for the squad of officers further up the road to head in. But instead of stopping when confronted by the other officers, Stone and his two companions began firing at the officers. The fire was returned and Stone, who was at the steering wheel, was shot through the head. The car swerved and turned turtle. The other two men in the car got clear, apparently uninjured, and made their escape. One of them headed east and the other in the opposite direction. Their names are not known.

Stone was found dead in the Ford touring car with a bullet through his head and his neck broken. The two front tires and one rear tire were deflated by bullets.

The car contained 24 gallons of liquor.

Stone’s body was brought to an undertaking establishment and prepared for burial

and later shipped to Schoolfield. From there the body was carried to North Wilkesboro for interment. From the front page of the Statesville Sentinel, Wednesday, January 11, 1922. Officer Carroll’s name was spelled Carrol and Carroll in this article. I don’t know which is correct.