Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Thursday, August 25, 1927
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 3 weeks
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 25, 1927
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Walter Vance was shot and killed after he and his partner attempted to question a suspect in a small restaurant.
The two officers, who were in plainclothes, had gone to the restaurant for their meal break. As they were eating, a man entered and acted suspiciously.
Believing that the man was about to rob the business, Patrolman Vance's partner approached him and displayed his badge. The suspect pulled out a knife and began to struggle with the officer. The man was able to break free and was pursued from the store by Patrolman Vance.
As they ran through a group of people standing on the sidewalk, one of the bystanders shot Patrolman Vance.
Patrolman Vance was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds later in the evening.
Patrolman Vance had served with the Louisville Police Department for only 25 days. He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother. His brother also served as a Louisville patrolman at the time of his murder.