Patrolman James Smith
Kansas City Police Department
Missouri
End of Watch: Thursday, June 14, 1928

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, June 14, 1928
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed

Patrolman James "Happy" Smith was shot and killed by robbery suspects. A group of bank robbers attempted a theft in broad daylight at the Home Trust Company on Walnut Street. Tear gas was tossed inside, forcing them to flee. In the process, they wounded five bystanders, and an elderly man suffered a fatal heart attack from the shock.

Patrolman Smith and his partner were working their posts at 11th and Walnut, and 10th and Walnut when the robbers rushed by. Patrolman Smith was shot and fatally wounded, but his partner was also wounded as he was directing traffic. The robbers were caught several days later. The suspect who shot Patrolman Smith was later hung.

Patrolman Smith had been with the agency for 14 years