Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, February 17, 1929
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 541
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 16, 1929
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Detective Lieutenant Benjamin Smith and Detective Clarence Stadler, both in plainclothes, were shot and killed during a shootout with two suspects who were attempting to rob a $15,000 payroll at 7777 West Chicago Street at 11 a.m.
Detective Stadler was struck twice in the face and once in the abdomen. He was transported to Highland Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detective Lieutenant Smith was struck in the jaw and abdomen and died the following day.
One of the suspects was shot and killed and another was wounded.
Detective Lieutenant Smith had served with the Detroit Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife nad 15-year-old daughter.