Minot Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch: Friday, January 21, 1921
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 2 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 20, 1921
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Lee Fahler was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspicious person.
The man attempted to bribe Patrolman Fahler as he was being questioned. At that point Patrolman Fahler put the man under arrest and the two started to walk towards the suspect's car. The suspect produced a handgun and opened fire on the officer. The suspect was shot and killed in return gunfire.
During the ensuing investigation over 20 cases of whiskey were found inside the vehicle the man had been driving. He was in the process of smuggling the whiskey from Canada to Chishoim, Minnesota. The man was placed under arrest and charged in connection with Patrolman Fahler's murder and smuggling.
Patrolman Fahler had served with the Minot Police Department for only 2 months. He was survived by his wife and 8-year-old son.