Detective Robert M. E. Bumster

Robert M. E. Bumster

Officer Robert Bumster was shot and killed near Clarence, Missouri, as he and the Adams County, Illinois, Sheriff returned a prisoner from Kansas City.

The prisoner's brother boarded the train and attempted to free him. As he drew a revolver and demanded his release, Officer Bumster drew his revolver, and shots were exchanged. Officer Bumster, the gunman, and the sheriff were wounded, and a passenger was killed. The gunman was able to escape but was captured a short time later by a fireman in Clarence.

Officer Bumster was taken to his home in Quincy, Illinois, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds five days later.

The gunman and his brother were wanted for beating to death a pawnbroker in Quincy six weeks earlier. He was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled in 1950 but returned to prison a few weeks later for violating his parole. He was paroled a second time in 1956.

Officer Bumster had served with the Quincy Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and sister.