Police Officer Charles Mayer, St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota

Police Officer Charles Mayer

St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Saturday, February 1, 1902

Charles Mayer

Officer Charles Mayer was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at the intersection of University Avenue and Farrington Avenue at 0220 hours. He surprised the three burglars who were attempting to break into a butcher shop. Officer Mayer was shot in the groin with a .44 caliber handgun. He was able to return fire but did not strike the suspects.

All three suspects were eventually arrested in Kansas but had to be released due to lack of evidence and a key witness refusing to testify. One of the suspects shot and killed Officer Lafayette Smith of the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department on January 14, 1909. He was later shot and killed by a Omaha police detective.

Officer Mayer had been with the agency for four years and was assigned to the Bicycle Squad. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 4 years
Badge 28

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Police Officer Charles Mayer was my great grandfather. Of course I never knew him but I did know his wife, Bertha Mayer, and daughter, Mathilde Mayer (my grandmother). She later married Gustave Barfuss, Acting Chief of Police, St. Paul and Commissioner of Health and Public Safety. I have my great grandfather's portrait hanging above my fireplace mantel in the highest place of honor in my home. Thank you all for your warm remarks.

Anne Barfuss Conley
great granddaughter

March 11, 2012