Detective Lieutenant Benjamin F. Smith, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Detective Lieutenant Benjamin F. Smith

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, February 17, 1929

Benjamin F. Smith

Detective Lieutenant Benjamin Smith and Detective Clarence Stadler, both in plainclothes, were shot and killed during a shootout with two suspects who were attempting to rob a $15,000 payroll at 7777 West Chicago Street at 11 a.m.

Detective Stadler was struck twice in the face and once in the abdomen. He was transported to Highland Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detective Lieutenant Smith was struck in the jaw and abdomen and died the following day.

One of the suspects was shot and killed and another was wounded.

Detective Lieutenant Smith had served with the Detroit Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife nad 15-year-old daughter.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, February 16, 1929
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

robbery attempt

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 83rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 11, 2012