Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Sunday, December 6, 1885
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 6, 1885
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Lieutenant Edward Harding was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at a local saloon on the corner of Ninth Street and Walnut Street (Present day Muhammad Ali Boulevard). He was making his rounds when he heard the commotion inside and entered the business to investigate. One of the men immediately produced a revolver and shot Lieutenant Harding in the shoulder.
As Lieutenant Harding fell against a counter the man then shot him in the back, killing him. As the suspect fled from the saloon he shot at another policeman. The policeman returned fire, fatally striking the suspect in the head.
Lieutenant Harding was a Lieutenant with the United States Army Second Kentucky Infantry during the Civil War. He had served with the Louisville Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and five children.