Trinidad Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 1895
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 21, 1895
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1896
Policeman John Solomon was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery at the Horse Shoe Club, a gambling hall next to the Columbian Hotel in Trinidad, while making his rounds.
As he walked into the establishment one of the subjects shot him in the back. The subjects fled the scene but were later apprehended after being tracked by bloodhounds. A total of eight suspects were arrested. Three of them were convicted of murder, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed on June 26th, 1896, in Colorado's first triple hanging. The other five suspects were charged with being accessories.
Policeman Solomon had served with the Trinidad Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.