Railroad Detective Frank V. Smith

Frank V. Smith

Railroad Detective Frank Smith succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier while attempting to arrest two men suspected of stealing freight in Toledo, Ohio.

A railroad switchman had notified the railroad police after he noticed about 30 crates of automobile tires that had been pushed from a train next to the tracks.

Detective Smith and another detective went to the area and concealed themselves nearby to wait for the suspects to return. A short time later two men approached but observed Detective Smith. One of the men opened fire, striking Detective Smith in the chest.

Despite being wounded, Detective Smith returned fire, killing one of the other suspects. He then walked a half mile to a nearby farmhouse where he sought assistance. The other suspect fled the scene but was eventually arrested and charged with murder, along with another accomplice.

Detective Smith was survived by his wife.