Policeman Charles P. Williams
Los Angeles Police Department
California
End of Watch: Saturday, January 13, 1923

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 13, 1923
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Policeman Williams was shot and killed while working a vice detail along Central Avenue. He and his partner were flagged down by a citizen who told them a man was waving a gun at nearby house. The officers knew this house to be a brothel. The man was a vigilante who was trying to rid the area of prostitution. As they were driving there, the police car broke down and Policeman Williams decided to walk the rest of the way. Upon his arrival, he told the man to put his hands up. The suspect fired twice, striking Policeman Williams in the abdomen.

The suspect was later captured, but it is unknown what happened to him. The suspect claimed he did not know Policeman Williams was an officer.

Policeman Williams is the first known African-American Officer to be killed in the line of duty in Los Angeles. He was survived by his wife.