Lyle Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch: Thursday, October 5, 1922
Age: 66
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 5, 1922
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Marshal Christian Johnson was shot and killed by a drunk man that he had escorted home earlier in the evening.
After leaving on friendly terms, the drunk man became upset and told his wife he was going to kill the marshal. He grabbed his .45 caliber pistol, located Marshal Johnson, and shot him. The suspect then fled to his sister's home, where he shot and killed himself. The suspect had lost the election to be Town Marshal to Marshal Johnson and held a grudge even though he served as Assistant Marshal.
Marshal Johnson had served with the Lyle Police Department for only two years. He was survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters.