Decatur Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Saturday, April 8, 1911
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by train
Date of Incident: April 8, 1911
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Policei Officer Charles Masterson was struck and killed by a train at the railroad crossing on North Union Street.
He and three other men were riding on a horse-drawn carriage, responding to a domestic disturbance call at the time of the accident. As they began crossing the railroad tracks, they observed a fast approaching train. Fearing the wagon would be struck by the train, Officer Masterson jumped off but fell into the path of the train. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately one hour later.
Officer Masterson had served with the Decatur Police Department for two years.