Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department
Railroad Police
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 16, 1894
Cause: Gunfire
Biographical Info
Age: 66
Tour of Duty: 38 years
Badge Number: Not available Chief of Detectives Leonard Harris was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three men who were robbing the Wells Fargo Express Office in Santa Cruz, California.
Chief Harris had learned of the planned robbery earlier in the day and had gone to the location with another railroad detective a constable from Santa Cruz. At approximately 8:00 pm three suspects entered the office and attempted to rob it.
Shots were fired as the officers attempted to arrest the men, and Chief Harris was struck twice in the stomach. He succumbed to his wounds shortly after midnight.
Chief Harris had served with the Southern Pacific Railroad Police for 18 years and had previously served in law enforcement for 20 additional years. He was survived by his wife and several children. | 
