Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Monday, January 31, 1921
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 25 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 348
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 31, 1921
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison
Lieutenant Phillip Ellenstein, Lieutenant David Morris, and Sergeant Joseph Husken were all shot when they went to investigate a burglar alarm at 25 Campus Martius that had been triggered at the Morton Bond Company near City Hall.
When they arrived, they were met with gunfire, and Lieutenant Ellenstein was killed. Lieutenant Morris was removed to the hospital, where he died two days later.
Sergeant Husken was taken to a local hospital with bullets in his spine and abdomen. He survived the injuries, though, and was able to identify the suspects, who were sentenced to life in prison. For several years after the shooting, Sergeant Husken worked at police headquarters since his paralyzed left leg prevented him from performing patrol duties. Eventually, he was placed on the permanent sick list. He died in 1943. Doctors said the bullet wounds he suffered 22 years earlier caused his death.
All four men were apprehended four months later. Two were apprehended after they robbed a post office in Toledo, Ohio. Another was captured in Chicago. One was sent to the Maryland Penitentiary and was later shot and killed when he tried to escape.
Lieutenant Ellenstein had served with the Detroit Police Department for 25.5 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.