Deputy Sheriff Charles Knapp

Charles Knapp

Deputy Sheriff Charles Knapp was shot and killed while attempting to arrest five bank robbery suspects who were fleeing Grand Rapids.

Deputy Knapp noticed the vehicle drive by and attempted to stop it on the road outside of Lowell. He pulled alongside of the car on his motorcycle and ordered the men to stop. One of the suspects then opened fire on him, striking him once and knocking him from the motorcycle. Although mortally wounded he was able to return fire once before collapsing. The suspects were eventually apprehended.

The shooter was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied a new trial in 1954. He had a parole hearing in 1959 but the outcome is not known. The others received lengthy sentences for bank robbery.