Patrolman William D. Keller
Wabash Railway Police Department
Railroad Police
End of Watch: Friday, January 23, 1931

Biographical Info
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, January 23, 1931
Incident Location: Illinois
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Executed in 1931

Patrolman William Keller was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect whom he caught trying to steal brass from railroad engines in the Wabash rail yards in Decatur, Illinois. As Patrolman Keller walked the two suspects to yard office one of them ran away. As he continued to walk with the second suspect the man suddenly turned and grabbed Patrolman Keller's gun and shot him four times. Patrolman Keller was able to get medical assistance but later died. The suspect was sentenced to death and executed in the electric chair on April 17, 1931.

Patrolman Keller had served with the Wabash Railway Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, daughter and son.