Abilene Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, July 18, 1940
Age: 70
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: July 18, 1940
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Sam Beam suffered a fatal heart attack moments after struggling with a drunk man on China Street.
He and his partner had responded to reports that the man had kicked in doors on two homes. When they arrived at the location they found the subject asleep. When they woke him up he immediately began fighting with both officers and then fled on foot.
Officer Beam's partner chased the man into a nearby barn. He had two citizens watch the barn as he returned to the patrol car to retrieve his flashlight. When he returned to the patrol he found Officer Beam slumped over in the front seat.
The subject was fined only $50 for being a habitual offender.
Officer Beam had served with the Abilene Police Department for over 20 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.