Detective Lieutenant Charles A. Harm, West Hoboken Police Department, New Jersey

Detective Lieutenant Charles A. Harm

West Hoboken Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Sunday, January 29, 1922

Charles A. Harm

Detective Charles Harm succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day when he was ambushed while escorting a bank messenger to the post office. The messenger was sending $21,000 from a local bank to the Federal Reserve Bank and Detective Harm had been assigned to protect the shipment.

As the two walked towards the post office Detective Harm noticed two suspicious mean approaching at the intersection of Clinton Street and Monastery Street. As he warned the messenger the men pulled out handguns and opened fire. Detective Harm returned fire, but his gun jammed after firing two shots. As he attempted to clear the jam a third suspect approached from behind and shot him several times, killing him.

The three men chased after the messenger and stole the money when the man dropped the package.

Four men were arrested and charged with Detective Harm's murder. They were released on bail and the case remained open for 10 years as detectives attempted to collect more evidence. During that time one of the suspects was murdered and a second was sent to prison on unrelated charges. One of the remaining suspects was taken into custody on unrelated charges 10 years later in Boston.

Detective Harm was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

Age 28
Tour Not available
Badge 41

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, January 28, 1922
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Apprehended

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I'am touched by the reflections above for my Grandfather. My Father , his son was a young child when his father was killed in the line of duty. He was fortunate to have been raised by his Mother and Sister , go on to serve his Country during WWII and receive the Purple Heart with the Big Red 1 Army Division on D day. His sister , my Aunt and Daughter of LT Harm went on to get her Masters at Monclair State and have a long career as an Educator. Their mother my Grandmother refused to allow a horrible tragedy to define their lives.

The memory of my Grandfather was passed on to me and my brothers and we in turn are passing it on to our children , his Great Grand Children .

The Officer Down Memorial Page does an oustanding job preserving the memories for all these Brave Officers.

Chris and the entire Union City Police Department have been incredible on honoring the Officers Killed in the line of Duty in the Union City , NJ area.

Craig F Harm
Grandson

September 7, 2011