Special Agent Charles W. Clark, Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

Special Agent Charles W. Clark

Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Saturday, April 13, 1918

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Charles W. Clark

Special Agent Charles Clark was shot and killed when he caught a man stealing a pair of shoes from a Southern Railway warehouse at Pinner's Point in Portsmouth, Virginia.

As Special Agent Clark grabbed the man's arm to detain him the man produced a pistol and shot him in the head. Another special agent engaged the man in a running shootout until the man ran into a swamp and surrendered.

The man was convicted of Special Clark's murder in May 1918 and sentenced to death.

Special Agent Clark was a widower and survived by his daughter.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Virginia
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

larceny

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Most Recent Reflection

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Special Agent Clark, it's good to know that your sacrifice is being acknowledged. My Dad spent 5 years with the New York Central Railroad Police before moving on to a career in my hometown. I know from his stories that being a Railroad cop is far from an easy time of it.

Railroad Police agencies seem to be slowly becoming a thing of the past, which is a travesty. For all of those who still serve to protect one of the main things that made America what it is today, and for all who preceded them, we, as a nation, owe our thanks.

Brother, may you forever rest in peace and God Bless you.

Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

February 12, 2025