Special Officer Charles Sherman Patterson, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

Special Officer Charles Sherman Patterson

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Monday, August 29, 1921

Charles Sherman Patterson

Special Officer Charles Patterson suffered a fatal gunshot wound in Ash Fork, Arizona, when his service weapon fell from its holster and discharged.

He was chasing a hobo when the accident occurred. He died from his wound the following day after being taken to a hospital in Prescott.

Officer Patterson had served in law enforcement for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 55
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Accidental)
Location Arizona
Incident Date Sunday, August 28, 1921

accidental discharge

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Special Officer Patterson, your death while in the line of duty is tragic, plain and simple. Had the hobo not run, you would not have given chase. Had you not give chase, the terrible accident would never have occurred. It happens. We can only hope that the hobo learned something from the event and if not convicted of a crime, found natural history elsewhere.

You are a hero and may God Bless you and may your extended and eternal rest be peaceful, Brother.

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

August 29, 2015