North Vernon Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Wednesday, September 23, 1903
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 23, 1903
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Marshal Gustive Schwake was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call.
The suspect, who was under the influence of alcohol, had been quarrelling with his wife, and as the dispute escalated, he attempted to kill her with a knife. As she was fleeing toward a neighbor's house, a passer-by went to summon Marshal Schwake in town. When Marshal Schwake arrived to question the suspect, he was found sitting in his front yard, armed with a shotgun. As Marshal Schwake approached further, the suspect took aim and shot Marshal Schwake in the head and chest, killing him instantly.
The suspect went into his residence and then escaped out of the rear door towards a creek. Knowing that a posse was in pursuit, the suspect committed suicide with the same shotgun used to kill Marshal Schwake.
Marshal Schwake had served with the North Vernon Police Department for 1½ years. He was survived by his wife, son and daughter.