Police Officer Claude C. Smith

Police Officer Claude C. Smith

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Wednesday, April 24, 1974

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Claude C. Smith

Police Officer Claude Smith was shot and killed while assisting a sheriff's deputy search for a wanted man on the eighth floor of a building in the Vaughn Housing Project, at 1101 North 18th Street.

During the search, an unrelated man mistook Officer Smith for a child molester believed to be in the area and shot him. Officer Smith was off duty when he agreed to assist the sheriff's deputy.

Officer Smith had been a member of the St. Louis Police Department for seven years and is survived by his wife and 6-month-old son.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Not available

off duty, plainclothes

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Officer Smith,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Louis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 24, 2024

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