Officer Alexander Knapp

Alexander Knapp

Officer Alexander Knapp was shot and killed while escorting a man to jail.

Officer Knapp was unarmed when he observed the intoxicated man and offered to walk him home. When the man refused to answer any questions Officer Knapp arrested him. During the walk to jail, the suspect fired a .25 caliber pistol from inside of his coat, striking Officer Knapp in the chest. Officer Knapp was able to subdue the suspect and positively identify him. Officer Knapp was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three days later.

On October 26, 1912, the suspect, 28, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years to life. On September 23, 1913, he died in prison of tuberculosis.

Officer Knapp had served with the Albuquerque Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife.