Policeman Arthur Christian Back, De Smet Police Department, South Dakota

Policeman Arthur Christian Back

De Smet Police Department, South Dakota

End of Watch Tuesday, September 13, 1932

Arthur Christian Back

Policeman Back succumbed to wounds sustained two nights earlier when he interrupted four brothers breaking into a local business.

Three were apprehended a few days later. The fourth suspect was apprehended a week later in Sioux City, Iowa. He had a gun shot wound in his left arm from Policeman Back's return fire. He signed a confession stating that he was the one who shot Policeman Back. Two days later he died in a Sioux City hospital from gangrene and lockjaw.

Bio

Age 61
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, September 11, 1932
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Policeman Black, today marks the 83rd anniversary of your passing. I cannot, nor will not say that I mourn the passing of one of your murderers. However, though I never met you and without this site would have never known of your sacrifice, I mourn YOU this day. You are truly a hero and with the Grace of God, your descendants have kept you alive and well in their hearts and minds and honor your legacy.

God Bless you, Brother and may your Peace be Eternal.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 13, 2015