Officer Lafayette A. Smith

Officer Lafayette A. Smith | Omaha Police Department, Nebraska
Omaha Police Department, Nebraska
Officer Lafayette A. Smith

Omaha Police Department, Nebraska

End of Watch Thursday, January 14, 1909

Lafayette A. Smith

Officer Lafayette Smith was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect. He had observed a man and woman struggling in the street at 0045 hours and attempted to arrest the man. During the ensuing struggle Officer Smith was shot by the suspect. The suspect was later shot and critically wounded by a detective before being taken into custody. He died in the hospital nine days later.

The suspect was one of three men arrested for the murder of Police Officer Charles Mayer of the St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department on Febuary 1, 1902. All three men were released because of a lack of evidence and a key witness refusing to testify.

Officer Smith had served with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed
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My great great grandfather, William E. Smith, served with his brother, Lafayette, on the Omaha police force. William's son, Lester K. Smith, rose the the ranks and served as acting chief in Omaha for one year. Lafayette's uncle, Samuel B. Smith, was shot and wounded while pursuing a burglar three weeks before Lafayette's death. The Smith men have a fine record of service, but Uncle Laffey gave the most. You were an excellent patrolman and in inspiration to your family. God bless you, Laffey.

Jeri Moriarty

March 8, 2013

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