Bailiff Ed Battle

Ed Battle

Bailiff Ed Battle and Policeman Hugh Osburn, both of the Fulton County Office of Inspector of Roads and Bridges, and Officer Tom Grant and Officer Edward Crabtree, both of the Atlanta Police Department, were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a gang of criminals wanted for beating a former police officer who they had previous run-ins with.

The gang was barricaded in a house and they opened fire on officers from concealed positions inside of the home. Policeman Osburn, Bailiff Battle, and Officer Crabtree were shot fatally shot at the intersection of Amy Street (modern-day Delavan Street) and Smith Street. Officer Grant was fatally shot along McDaniel Street, near Amy Street.

Several of the suspects attempted to flee the house and were shot and killed by officers and citizens. The leader of the gang was found dead after the house was burned to the ground.

Bailiff Battle was regularly called upon by the Fulton County Office of Inspector Roads and Bridges to serve during raids and serious incidents.