Bio & Incident Details
Age: Not available
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 10/26/1897
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Executed in 1900
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Patrolman Frederick Smith was shot and killed in the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Redeemer, Third Street between Avenues A and B, by a burglar who was burglarizing the poor box.
He and another officer were on patrol when two priests came out of the church and notified them that someone had broken in. As the officers searched the inside of the church, Patrolman Smith was shot by the man who was stealing from the poor-box.
The suspect was apprehended by several citizens as he climbed out a window of the church. The suspect was almost lynched by a mob of angry citizens before additional officers arrived. He was convicted of the murders and executed on May 21, 1900.
Patrolman Smith had served for over 15 years and was assigned to the 14th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and four children.
