Patrolman August Baker

August Baker

Patrolman August Baker was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had been involved in a fight at a saloon in Shantaytown.

Patrolman Baker was making the arrest on Wineow Street when the man suddenly produced a revolver and shot him. Patrolman Baker was transported to Allegany Hospital, where he died from his wounds two days later.

The suspect was apprehended and taken to the Allegany County Jail. A crowd of 200 citizens formed at the jail following Patrolman Baker's death. When the lone deputy inside refused to open the doors, the mob grabbed a utility pole and knocked the door down. They then attacked the deputy and again used the utility pole to knock down the cell door. The suspect was dragged from the jail and beaten almost to death before his limp body was shot 12 times by the mob.

Patrolman Baker had served with the Cumberland Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife.