Patrolman James Hawkes, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota

Patrolman James Hawkes

Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota

End of Watch Thursday, December 28, 1916

James Hawkes

Patrolman Hawkes was shot and killed when he went to the Garlick Hotel to arrest a disorderly man.

Patrolman Hawkes was called to the hotel when one of the guests became disorderly. At some point the guest went to the landlord’s apartment and asked for a gun. Even though the landlord did not give him a gun, the suspect somehow came up with a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver. When Patrolman Hawkes arrived, the suspect shot him three times as he entered the hotel.

The 37-year-old suspect was arrested by other officers. Two weeks later he stabbed himself to death in his jail cell.

Patrolman Hawkes had served with the Rapid City Police Department for 3 1/2 years.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 3 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Committed suicide

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 95th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 28, 2011