Police Officer William F. Hayes

Photo of Police Officer William F. Hayes
End of Watch: Sun, Feb 23rd, 1919
Date of Incident: Sun, Feb 23rd, 1919
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Intentional)
Service Time: 6 years
Age: 31

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and four children.

Incident

Officer Hayes was shot and killed while searching a suspect on Nineteenth Street near Lucas Avenue. He and two special officers had heard gun shots in the area and went to investigate. Officer Hayes stopped a man and began to search him. The man suddenly stepped back, produced a revolver from his coat sleeve, and shot Officer Hayes in the stomach and leg. Officer Hayes was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the hospital where he was positively identified by Officer Hayes before he succumbed to the gunshot wounds. The man was convicted and sentenced to life but won a second trial in which he was acquitted.

After his death, his wife was appointed as a female detective.

Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Agency

Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Patch
1200 Clark Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
(314) 231-1212

Tributes

There are currently no tributes for Police Officer William F. Hayes.