Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Saturday, February 16, 1929
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 879
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 16, 1929
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Detective Clarence Stadler and Detective Lieutenant Benjamin Smith, 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 also shot and died the following day.
One of the suspects was shot and killed and another was wounded.
Detective Stadler, who served in WWI, had been with the Detroit Police Department for 13 years and was cited six times for bravery. He was survived by his wife, infant son, young daughter, parents and other family members.