Police Officer Emil Arthur Speth

Police Officer Emil Arthur Speth

Davenport Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch Friday, January 26, 1917

Add to My Heroes

Emil Arthur Speth

Patrolman Speth succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous day when he attempted to remove a man from his hotel room. He had been ordered to escort the man to the police station to answer questions regarding a fraud investigation. The man refused to leave his room and shot Patrolman Speth when he forcefully tried to make him go. Patrolman Speth was able to return fire, as well as other officers arriving on the scene, seriously wounding the suspect.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He was pardoned by Governor N.E. Kendall October 1, 1921.

Patrolman Speth was survived by his wife and eight children.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge 13

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Thursday, January 25, 1917
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Pardoned in 1921

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Great Great granddaughters visited today. Descendants of Emil's son who was 3 months old when Emil was killed.

Amanda Speth Alonso
Great granddaughter

July 1, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.