Special Officer Charles Crill was shot and killed in the railroad yards that were located at East 4th Street and Maple Street.

He had discovered a group of 12 men breaking into a boxcar of train No. 64 and called for assistance from the Des Moines Police Department. As he and the Des Moines officer approached the group one of the men opened fire, killing Officer Crill and wounding the other officer.

The group of men fled but the shooter was recognized by the Des Moines officer. Several men were arrested in connection with the shooting and charged with murder.

Officer Crill was survived by his wife. His father-in-law was the Des Moines police chief.