Officer Lawrence was struck and killed by a reckless driver at 2:35 am at Arlington Street and Easton Avenues. (Martin Luther King Ave) An attempt was made to take Officer Lawrence to the hospital in a passing car but the car broke down at Vendeventer and Olive. An ambulance was summoned but Officer Lawrence was pronounced dead by the time the ambulance arrived. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was later identified and apprehended.

Officer Lawrence had been with the police department for 22 years joining in 1896. He was survived by his wife, Bridget, and their six children. Interred: Calvary Cemetery.