Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Sunday, January 21, 1917
Add to My HeroesCornelius E. "Neil" Cross
Special Agent Cornelius Cross was shot and killed when he confronted three men stealing from a box-car at the Cuming Street crossing in the Omaha, Nebraska, freight yards at 2:00 am.
When he encountered the men he told them stop and one of them immediately complied. Another jumped out of the box car and began to attack Special Agent Cross, who was able to fend him off. As Special Agent Cross chased the man around the box car the third suspect opened fire, striking him twice. He was able to return fire and wound one of the suspects.
Several suspects were apprehended. In their possession were items that had been taken in several previous train robberies and burglaries. Two men were convicted of Agent Cross' murder. One was sentenced to life. He died in prison on February 11, 1920. The other suspect was sentenced to one to 20 years.
Special Agent Cross had been with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department for only three months. He was survived by his parents.
Bio
- Age 23
- Tour 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Nebraska
- Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsRIP brother, a hero is never really gone.
James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
January 21, 2012
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024