Sergeant Thomas J. Babbington

Thomas J. Babbington

Sergeant Thomas J. Babbington was attacked and shot during an arrest.

On January 21, 1925, Sergeant Babbington entered a soft drink parlor in search of a wanted offender. While trying to find the suspect, Sergeant Babbington was stopped by the bartender and several patrons. Sergeant Babbington drew his service weapon and exited the establishment in order to call for back-up. The sergeant entered a taxi cab when several men followed behind him and shot him four times. Sergeant Babbington returned fire, but was not able to injure any of his killers. Sergeant Babbington was rushed to a local hospital. Before succumbing to his injuries he identified Emmett Kearns, well known gangster, as one of his shooters. Sergeant Babbington died on January 26, 1925.

Emmett Kearns was charged with murder and held without bond. Several of his accomplices were arrested, but later acquitted. Emmett Kearns' charges were dropped. On March 21, 1950, his body was found hanging on a barbed wire fence near Hartsdale, Indiana. He had been shot in the head, execution style.

Sergeant Babbington succumbed from his wounds five days later. He had served with the agency for 18 years and was survived by his wife and two sons. He is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.