Detective Charles Dewitt Hammond, Muskegon Police Department, Michigan

Detective Charles Dewitt Hammond

Muskegon Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, October 31, 1925

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Charles Dewitt Hammond

Detective Charles Hammond was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for passing a counterfeit bill.

He asked the man to return to the police station with him, and as they did so, the man attempted to flee on foot. As Detective Hammond chased him, the suspect turned and shot him in the alley behind city hall. Although wounded, Detective Hammond continued to chase the suspect and apprehended him. He gained control of the suspect's handgun and shot and killed him.

The suspect was a convicted felon who had escaped federal prison in Georgia. An accomplice of the killer was executed in 1926 for killing Officer James Skelly in 1924.

Detective Hammond had been employed with the Muskegon Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, convicted felon, counterfeiters, escapee

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Most Recent Reflection

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My grandmother, Ferol, was his daughter. I’d heard the story of how her dad passed. At the time my grandparents were dating and someone told my grandfather he needed to get to his girlfriend’s house, her father had been shot. What a terrible tragedy. I’m so proud of his bravery!

Becca Kohn
Great Granddaughter

March 21, 2025