Detective Benjamin Tobias Thornton
End of Watch: Mon, Jun 18th, 1900
Date of Incident: Sat, Jun 2nd, 1900
Cause of Death: Duty-Related Illness
Service Time: 24 years
Age: 50
Incident
Beginning in late May 1900, Detective Thornton conducted a stakeout of a residence to apprehend a suspect wanted for the murder of Cleveland Patrolman John Shipp. Detective Thornton remained at his post in inclement weather for several days and contracted a cold. Although ill, Detective Thornton refused to leave his post until ordered to do so by his captain on June 2nd. Detective Thornton remained bedridden until his death due to pneumonia two weeks later on June 18th. The suspect was apprehended, convicted in a court of law, and executed via the electric chair in 1901.
Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Agency
The Indianapolis Police Department has been disbanded and absorbed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
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