Railroad Policeman William Applestiel

William Applestiel

Railroad Policeman William Applestiel was shot one of five men he surprised looting a freight car at the Northern Pacific transfer shed three miles south of Auburn. The men were loading liquor into a car when Patrolman Applestiel attempted to arrest them. Railroad Policeman Applestiel attempted to return fire but his bullets failed to explode.

The car was traced to a Auburn garage where two were arrested. The three others were apprehended later the same night. The gunman was the foremen of the switching crew. Two of the suspects were railroad employees supervised by the gunman. All five were charged with murder.