Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Monday, August 29, 1921
Charles Sherman Patterson
Special Officer Charles Patterson suffered a fatal gunshot wound in Ash Fork, Arizona, when his service weapon fell from its holster and discharged.
He was chasing a hobo when the accident occurred. He died from his wound the following day after being taken to a hospital in Prescott.
Officer Patterson had served in law enforcement for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 55
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Accidental)
- Location Arizona
- Incident Date Sunday, August 28, 1921
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsSpecial Officer Patterson, your death while in the line of duty is tragic, plain and simple. Had the hobo not run, you would not have given chase. Had you not give chase, the terrible accident would never have occurred. It happens. We can only hope that the hobo learned something from the event and if not convicted of a crime, found natural history elsewhere.
You are a hero and may God Bless you and may your extended and eternal rest be peaceful, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
August 29, 2015
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