Minot Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch: Friday, April 26, 1918
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 26, 1918
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder
Officer Patrick Devaney was shot when he and Special Agent Kersey Gowin, of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office, were attempting to arrest two or more thieves. The officers were laying in wait in a field for the automobile tire thieves when they were shot.
Officer Devaney was killed instantly. Agent Gowin was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning.
Five men were arrested, however, one confessed and was convicted. He served two years in prison before escaping and was considered at large.
Officer Devaney had served with the Minot Police Department for only three months. He was survived by his wife and five children.