Chief of Police Charles Crittenden Flanary

Charles Crittenden Flanary

Chief of Police Charles Flanary and Policeman Charles Barton were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was wanted for beating his wife.

The suspect had been in hiding for several days but had returned home. When Chief Flanary observed him entering his house he called out to him that he was under arrest. A struggle ensued in which the suspect was able to disarm Chief Flanary.

Policeman Barton observed the struggled and attempted to help Chief Flanary but was shot in the head. The man then fatally shot both officers before stealing their guns and fleeing. He was apprehended three days later in Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Chief Flanary had only served with the department for one month. He had previously served with the St. Paul Police Department and Roda Police Department. He was survived by his wife and children.