Type of Officer: Special Officer
Jurisdiction: Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe Railroad
County: Reno
Death Date: 8/7/1874
Added to Memorial: 2021
Circumstances of Death: Gunshot
During the late evening of October 7, 1874, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Special Officer Charles Hale, age 35, was on foot patrol in the railroad yards located inside the Hutchison city limits. Near the depot, Officer Hale discovered a man stealing coal from a railroad coal car. He approached the suspect to make an arrest for coal theft. The suspect drew a pistol and opened fire, striking Officer Hale twice, killing him instantly. At the time of his death, Officer Hale was survived by his wife and daughter.
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