Sergeant William F. Herkal
Minneapolis Police Department
Minnesota
End of Watch: Monday, May 11, 1959

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, May 11, 1959
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Sergeant Herkal was shot and killed while responding to a robbery at a store on East Lake Street. The manager had hit the alarm button and another employee in the back called the police. Two detectives arrived first and were able to grab the suspects. However, one of the men broke free and exchanged shots with a detective. As the man ran out of the door he encountered Sergeant Herkal, who was just arriving. He shot Sergeant Herkal three times with a .38 caliber revolver before being shot by another officer with a riot gun. Both suspects were taken into custody.

Sergeant Herkal had been with the agency for 11 years and was survived by his wife and four children.