Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, April 21, 1912
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 21, 1912
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Charles Williams was shot and killed while escorting two subjects to jail shortly before 6:00 p.m.
He had stopped the men on the street after suspecting them of being pick-pockets at East 13th Avenue and East 12th Street in Oakland. Without searching them, he began walking them to the police station on 14th Street. One of the men attempted to flee down an alley but was caught by Patrolman Williams. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect shot Patrolman Williams twice.
Patrolman Williams had served with the Oakland Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, four children, his parents, and three siblings.