Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Monday, August 29, 1921
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: August 28, 1921
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Special Officer Charles Patterson suffered a fatal gunshot wound in Ash Fork, Arizona, when his service weapon fell from its holster and discharged.
He was chasing a hobo when the accident occurred. He died from his wound the following day after being taken to a hospital in Prescott.
Officer Patterson had served in law enforcement for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.