Detective Sergeant Caleb Embree Smith, Flint Police Department, Michigan

Detective Sergeant Caleb Embree Smith

Flint Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Thursday, October 27, 1921

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Caleb Embree Smith

Detective Caleb Smith died after being poisoned with arsenic while on duty. It is theorized that the poison was administered to him when he took his midnight lunch break at a local restaurant.

Detective Smith had been on duty for several hours with his partner, but the two separated for their lunch breaks. Shortly after the lunch breaks the two detectives arrested a suspect and returned him to the police station. While they were processing the suspect Detective Smith complained he was feeling ill. He was taken home where his condition worsened. He died a short time later.

An autopsy revealed traces of arsenic in his body and coroner's jury concluded that his death was the result of arsenic poisoning at the hands of persons unknown.

Detective Smith had served with the Flint Police Department for 4 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons. Both of his sons went on to serve in law enforcement.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Poisoned
Weapon Poison
Offender Never apprehended

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Most Recent Reflection

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Today, at the library I thought heavily about how much time had passed since I last reflected about Embree and events that involved family. My attention this morning was on a large framed water color picture that was gifted by Embree's youngest son Jack William Smith and his bride, Elizabeth "Betty" Finley. They had all joined up in Garden Grove after Pearl. The Artist is well known in Washington, where Betty's family was settled. It features a deer peeking through some light brush of leaves. Very nicely done, It was always given a little kiss by either of Embree's sons when ever they passed by.
Grandma always had it displayed above a bureau in the dinning room before any of us knew its story or the breath of the connection.
It's good to reflect back, it certainly has kept our family closer together.

Kathleen Smith
Granddaughter of Embree

March 26, 2019