Patrolman Robert J. Cambias

Patrolman Robert J. Cambias

New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch Friday, October 18, 1907

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Robert J. Cambias

Patrolman Robert Cambias was killed when his throat was cut on Allen Street, in the area of New Orleans Street and Prieur Street.

While responding to a disturbance on Allen Street where a 20 year old male was assaulted by someone with a knife, Patrolman Cambias and three other officers entered a house that was the meeting place for a group of activists called the "Council of God."

The meeting was attended by approximately 20 men. The officers approached with revolvers drawn and asked for the perpetrator of the assault to step forward. The lights went out and gunfire ensued. Officer Cambias was overpowered by three men who dragged him outside to the sidewalk where his throat was slashed. Patrolman Ernest Wenck was stabbed, Sergeant Joseph Wheatley and Corporal James Dunn both received gunshot wounds but the three officers were able to safely escape the building.

Neighbors who saw the injured officers and the dying policeman on the sidewalk called for additional police support. When reinforcements arrived the house was surrounded. The standoff lasted for about three hours until finally 10 people were taken into custody and transported to jail. Patrolman Cambias died on the sidewalk where he fell. The other three office recovered from their injuries.

Three suspects were held for the slaying of Patrolman Cambias. One died in jail from lockjaw after refusing treatment for a gunshot wound to his right foot. The other two went to trial and were convicted of murder. They were both hanged on October 23rd, 1908.

Patrolman Cambias had served with the agency for less than a year.

Patrolman Cambias' grandfather, Patrolman James Crofton, was shot and killed in the line of duty on October 4th, 1869, while serving with the New Orleans Police Department.

Bio

  • Age 22
  • Tour 11 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Incident Date Not available
  • Weapon Edged weapon
  • Offender Not available

disturbance, weapons violation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

For such filth to use the name of "GOD" in their little clubs title is so disgraceful, it's hard to imagine. I know in my heart that GOD took full vengeance on these total scum once they finally faced the afterlife. Murder and blasphemy are a horrible combination and I truly believe these scum faced God's TRUE justice.

Brother, Patrolman Cambias, you are now and will forever be a true HERO! I can only hope and pray that your descendants know the real story of your sacrifice on behalf of what is GOOD and RIGHT!

Your death was a beacon of light for those who hare misguided and sinful. What a horrible way to show the insanity of a few.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 6, 2017

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