Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch: Friday, November 27, 1903
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 27, 1903
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: One shot and killed
Police Officer James Smith was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two suspects for suspicious activity at the corner of Jackson Street and 14th Street.
He observed the two men casing our a neighborhood that had several recent burglaries. As he ordered the men to walk to City Hall one of the men pulled out a revolver and opened fire, fatally wounding Patrolman Smith. Although mortally wounded he was able to return fire and kill one of the suspects. The other suspect fled and was captured in Los Angeles after committing a burglary. He was convicted of Officer Smith's murder and sentenced to life in Folsom State Prison.
Patrolman Smith had been with the Oakland Police Department for two years. He was survived by his mother and five siblings.