St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Tuesday, May 6, 1969
Add to My HeroesBrian M. Graft
Detective Brian Graft was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a shooting suspect at 1300 North Tenth Street.
He and another officer were working an off-duty security job when they heard the shooting call on the radio. The subject shot and wounded a hotel manager and fled. Shortly thereafter, they spotted a man meeting the description enter the lot where they were working, and they went to investigate. As they approached, the man produced a .25 caliber handgun and shot Detective Graft in the chest and his partner in the leg. Both officers returned fire and struck the suspect in the arm, but he fled on foot. A truck driver in the area also tried to apprehend the man but was shot and killed.
Responding officers engaged the suspect in another gun battle. The suspect surrendered after shooting another officer. He was charged with first-degree murder. In 1971, he was acquitted of both murders by reason of insanity and committed to the State Hospital.
Detective Graft had served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for five years. He was survived by his mother and grandmother.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
- Offender Committed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsMy Cousin Brian,
I was only 8 years old when this tragic incident occurred. I was kept from the tragic details at the time of what had happen, but I do recall the deep sadness our family felt at the time of your passing. I reflect on the stories my father and mother told me as I was growing up on what type of man you were and how you impacted so many people. It was those memories that lead me to pursue a career as a police officer as well. Now retired, I continue to think of you often and share your memory and heroism to my two boys and generations to come. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again in Heaven, God Bless.
Bill Graft
Sunset Hills PD
December 2023
William Graft Police Officer
Cousin/Sunset Hills PD
December 7, 2023
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