Police Officer William Strong

William Strong

Police Officer William Strong was shot and killed after arresting two hobos who had just gotten off a freight train at the Union Depot in Provo.

As he was walking one of the men to jail the man fled. The suspect escaped but Officer Strong located a second hobo and arrested him. The suspect produced a .38 caliber pistol near the intersection of 3rd Street and struck Officer Strong in the back of the head, knocking him down.

As Officer Strong attempted to get up the man pressed the pistol against his chest and shot him in the heart, killing him. The 34-year-old suspect fled but was eventually arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life at hard labor. He was denied parole in 1910 and if ever paroled he was to be turned over to Montana authorities for burglary.

Officer Strong had served in various law enforcement jobs in the area for 30 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.