Police Officer Simeon D. Martin

Simeon D. Martin

Officer Martin was shot and killed when he was caught in the crossfire of two men who were shooting at each other at Adams and St. Antoine Streets.

Officer Simeon Martin of the Bethune Station was shot twice in the back when he stepped into the line of fire between two men engaged in a gun battle at the intersection. The men had shot at each other the previous week and one was slightly wounded. His assailant had been arrested but was released that day when the injured man refused to press charges. Witnesses said the men spotted each other and started a new attack in which one shot at his adversary, but the bullets missed and struck Officer Martin, killing him. Officer Martin had stepped onto the corner of the street to await a streetcar in order to report for off-duty roll call.

The 36-year-old suspect was apprehended two days later in Toledo, Ohio.

Officer Martin had served with the Detroit Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the Bethune Street station. He was survived by his wife and three children.