Patrolman James Hawkes

James Hawkes

Patrolman Hawkes was shot and killed when he went to the Garlick Hotel to arrest a disorderly man.

Patrolman Hawkes was called to the hotel when one of the guests became disorderly. At some point the guest went to the landlord’s apartment and asked for a gun. Even though the landlord did not give him a gun, the suspect somehow came up with a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver. When Patrolman Hawkes arrived, the suspect shot him three times as he entered the hotel.

The 37-year-old suspect was arrested by other officers. Two weeks later he stabbed himself to death in his jail cell.

Patrolman Hawkes had served with the Rapid City Police Department for 3 1/2 years.