Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 19, 1917
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 19, 1917
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Railroad Policeman William Applestiel was shot one of five men he surprised looting a freight car at the Northern Pacific transfer shed three miles south of Auburn. The men were loading liquor into a car when Patrolman Applestiel attempted to arrest them. Railroad Policeman Applestiel attempted to return fire but his bullets failed to explode.
The car was traced to a Auburn garage where two were arrested. The three others were apprehended later the same night. The gunman was the foremen of the switching crew. Two of the suspects were railroad employees supervised by the gunman. All five were charged with murder.