Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Friday, June 19, 1914
Age: 49
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 19, 1914
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Inspector Thomas Norton was shot and killed when he and four other officers attempted to arrest a triple murder suspect wanted in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The incident occurred in a crowded restaurant located at the intersection of Boylston Street and Washington Street. The other officers returned fire, striking the suspect three times. The man continued to flee but was arrested outside of the restaurant by a mounted patrolman.
A month later the suspect killed himself inside his jail cell by cutting his throat with a steel shoe shank.
Inspector Norton had served with the Boston Police Department for 17 years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.