Alexandria Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Saturday, March 4, 1911
Add to My HeroesVirgil Kirkman
Patrolman Virgil Kirkman was shot and killed after responding to a robbery in progress.
While an accomplice stood across the street, another subject entered the Miller Pawnshop on South Canal Street with a red handkerchief over his face and commanded the shop's owner to turn over the day's receipts, who complied. Patrolman Kirkman and another officer responded after being alerted to the robbery by a customer leaving the store. As Patrolman Kirkman entered the store with his gun holstered, the suspect turned and shot the officer through the head without warning. Patrolman Kirkman later died in a hospital.
The 16-year-old accomplice was arrested shortly after the robbery and refused to cooperate with authorities. The 25-year-old suspect fled the scene to his father's home, where Chief of Police John Ellis was mortally wounded while attempting to arrest the suspect and succumbed to his injuries two days later in a hospital. After escaping, the suspect had his wounded arm tended to by a doctor in Orestes and started walking toward Frankton. He was found asleep in a nearby barn after several posses had formed to search for him.
The accused were moved five days later from the city jail and held in Anderson for fear that a lynching would take place. Both suspects were later sentenced to life in prison.
The accomplice was paroled in 1919. The killer was released in 1936.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender Released in 1936
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsThis was my great grand uncle. I never knew anything about him as that side of my family is somewhat shrouded in mystery. I cannot help but feel a sense of pride and connection now; I'm a patrol officer as well. RIP, Virgil- your family continues to hold the line.
Andrew Kirkman
Wilmington Police Department
December 22, 2020
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