Patrolman Thomas M. Mitchell

Thomas M. Mitchell

Patrolman Thomas Mitchell and Patrolman Robert Kucken responded to a disturbance shortly after midnight at a local soft drink parlor which had erupted into gunfire when two patrons drew revolvers and began firing.

One suspect was fleeing through the back door when both officers entered through the front door and commanded him to halt. He dropped behind a table and opened fire on the officers.

The suspect who shot both officers was shot and killed. Another suspect, who killed the business' patron, was arrested for that murder.

Patrolman Robert Kucken was killed instantly and Patrolman Mitchell succumbed to his wounds the following day.