Patrolman Wilber H. Lester

Patrolman Wilber H. Lester

Guthrie Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Friday, June 8, 1894

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Wilber H. Lester

Patrolman Wilber Lester succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on May 29th, 1894, while attempting to arrest several men who were stealing items from a boxcar at the Santa Fe Railroad depot.

The railroad watchman locked several of the subjects into the boxcar and notified officers, who responded to the scene. Patrolman Lester opened the boxcar door and instructed the people inside to surrender. When he did not receive a response he climbed into the boxcar. A man hiding in the shadows opened fire, striking him in the head.

The men in the boxcar then jumped from the boxcar and fled on foot. The other officers on scene returned fire, fatally wounding one of the men.

Patrolman Lester was survived by his wife, three children, mother, and six siblings.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, May 29, 1894
  • Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

larceny, trespasser

Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Lester,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Guthrie.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

June 8, 2019

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