Bio & Incident Details
Age: Not available
Tour: 25 years
Badge # No number
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 12/16/1920
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: One killed; One arrested
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Lieutenant Horton was died of a gunshot wound he received when he attempted to arrest a suspect who had just robbed a man.
Lieutenant Horton was off duty and walking home when he heard a man yelling "Police! Stop thief!" Lieutenant Horton ran to the location and was told that two men had just held up a elevator operator inside 540 West 146 Street, Manhattan. The suspect were escaping in an automobile, so Lieutenant Horton jumped onto the running board of a taxi to catch up to the suspects. The suspect fired at Lieutenant Horton and Lieutenant Horton returned fire. Lieutenant Horton jumped onto the running board of suspects vehicle and exchanged several shots with the suspect. Lieutenant Horton was struck in chest and fell off the running board into the street.
As the vehicle fled, Lieutenant Horton was able to write down the license plate number. Lieutenant Horton was removed to the hospital where he died a few hours later.
One suspect was found later in the day by a patrolman. He had died from his wounds. Detective were able to locate the escape vehicle and arrested the second suspect. A witness identified the 2nd suspect as the man who fired the fatal shots at Lieutenant Horton. He was charged with murder and later convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life.
Lieutenant Horton had served as a police officer for 25 years, starting his career with the Brooklyn Police Department later serving with New York City Police Department after the two departments were consolidated.
Lieutenant Horton was survived by his wife and several children. He was assigned to the 40th Precinct.
