Night Watchman Samuel H. Ferguson

Samuel H. Ferguson

Night Watchman Samuel Ferguson was stabbed to death in Butler County, Pennsylvania, while he and another officer attempted to serve a warrant on a subject wanted for stealing gas by tapping into a gas line.

The officers went to the man's home in Butler to serve the warrant but were told by his wife that he was not home. Upon searching the home they located the subject and told him he was under arrest. He initially refused to be taken but then agreed and asked if he could change his shirt. The officers followed him into another room where he suddenly grabbed a bowie knife and a revolver and attacked the officers, stabbing them both several times.

Night Watchman Ferguson collapsed and died as the officers retreated to safety. The subject fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with murder. His wife was also arrested and charged with assisting her husband.

Night Watchman Ferguson had served with the Pittsburgh Night Watch for two and a half years and was survived by his wife and 14 children.