Police Officer William F. Hayes

William F. Hayes

Officer William Hayes was shot and killed while searching for a suspect on Nineteenth Street near Lucas Avenue.

Officer Hayes and two special officers had heard gunshots in the area and went to investigate. Officer Hayes stopped a man and began to search him. The man suddenly stepped back, produced a revolver from his coat sleeve, and shot Officer Hayes in the stomach and leg. Officer Hayes was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the hospital where he was positively identified by Officer Hayes before he succumbed to the gunshot wounds. The man was convicted and sentenced to life but won a second trial in which he was acquitted.

Officer Hayes had been with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and four children. After his death, his wife was appointed as a female detective.