Police Officer Leo Kraeger

Leo Kraeger

Police Officer Leo Kraeger was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on warrants for discharging a firearm.

Officer Kraeger had gone to the man's workplace at 1019 S Third Street and was speaking to the supervisor when he observed the man approaching. He ordered the man to stop but the suspect did not obey and walked into a storeroom. When Officer Kraeger followed the man into the room the suspect fired three shots, striking him in the head.

The 23-year-old suspect, who said he was so drunk he did not remember the shooting, was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. On December 31, 1940, he was pardoned by Governor Lloyd C. Stark.

Officer Kraeger was survived by his wife and two children.