Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Tuesday, July 29, 1958
Add to My HeroesHerbert Mitchell Gash
Railroad Detective Herbert Gash succumbed to gunshot wound sustained three days earlier while patrolling the Southern Railway's yards in East St. Louis, Illinois.
He and a railroad car inspector were walking along the railroad's right of way when they observed a man washing his face in a small pond. The inspector continued walking as Detective Gash began to speak to the man. The subject suddenly produced a handgun and shot Detective Gash in the abdomen.
Detective Gash returned fire as the subject fled on foot. He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his wound three days later.
A 38-year-old ex-convict was arrested several weeks later and charged with murder. On May 4, 1959, he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 9 years.
Detective Gash was a U.S. Army veteran. He was survived by his mother and four siblings. He was predeceased by one brother. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Illinois
- Incident Date Saturday, July 26, 1958
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 9 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
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July 29, 2020
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