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Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Sunday, April 3, 1921
09:30 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
228 Franklin Street, Michigan City
Incident County:
LaPorte
Incident Township:
Michigan
Weapon Used:
Revolver
Suspect Disposition:
Died by suicide

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Michigan City Police Department

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Captain Joseph Ora Simmerman

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Captain
Joseph Ora Simmerman
Michigan City Police Department
Sunday, April 3, 1921

Panel 43W, Line 5
Panel L25, Line 8

   Captain Joseph Simmerman and Patrolman George Spencer were both shot and killed by an intoxicated man in front of the Faroh Bros. store.

   While taking a woman to the police station for questioning, both officers were shot in the head.

   Patrolman Spencer died at the scene and Captain Simmerman died after being taken to Saint Anthony Hospital.

   After fleeing the scene, the 22-year-old suspect died by suicide a short time later.

   Captain Simmerman was survived by his wife, brother and four sisters.

Historical Note

• This incident was one of 24 which resulted in the line of duty deaths of two officers.


Personal Details

Age: 52
Law Enforcement Service:
Burial Place:
Rockfield Cemetery, Veedersburg