Cynthiana Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Sunday, December 27, 1896
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 24, 1896
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Officer Charles Lacey succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on Christmas Eve while attempting to arrest a drunk subject.
The man was able to break away from ran down an alley. As Officer Lacey chased him the man turned and shot him in the leg. Despite the wound, Officer Lacey was able to catch him and struck him with his club. During the ensuing struggle the subject shot Officer Lacey in the abdomen. The man then fled as Officer Lacey fired at him.
Officer Lacey succumbed to his wounds three days later.
The 16-year-old subject who shot him was arrested, tried for murder, and acquitted.
Officer Lacey was also a member of the Cynthiana Volunteer Fire Department and the Kentucky State Guard.