Night Policeman William Owens Barkley

William Owens Barkley

Policeman William Barkley was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect.

Policeman Barkley and a security guard had positioned themselves in a local drugstore that had been burglarized several times. At approximately 2:30 am, they observed a suspect enter the store.

As they moved into position to surprise the suspect, the man saw them and immediately opened fire, striking Policeman Barkley in the stomach. In the ensuing shootout, the suspect and the guard were also wounded.

Policeman Barkley succumbed to his wounds that evening. The suspect was sentenced to death and was executed in May of 1923.

Policeman Barkley had served as the night policeman for six years. He was survived by his daughter, two sisters, and two brothers.