Policeman Benjamin Cline

Policeman Benjamin Cline

Union City Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, December 18, 1871

Add to My Heroes

Benjamin Cline

Policeman Benjamin Cline was shot and killed as he investigated a suspicious individual who had been loitering outside a hotel room that was being used as a temporary cell for a notorious train robber. As Policeman Cline approached the man and attempted to question him, the man fled. Policeman Cline pursued him and was about to overtake him when the suspect suddenly turned and fired a pistol. The shot struck Policeman Cline in the lung, and he died within a half hour.

Policeman Cline's killer was captured and held in the same room as the train robber, who admitted that the two were acquainted. In the middle of the night, a mob gathered and stormed the hotel. The train robber jumped up from his bed and was shot and killed. Policeman Cline's murderer taken from the hotel and lynched, in spite of efforts made by the detectives guarding him to save his life.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Pistol
  • Offender Lynched

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Officer Cline,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Union City.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 18, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.