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Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, March 10, 1926
11:45 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
Wallace Street near Barr Street, Fort Wayne
Incident County:
Allen
Incident Township:
Wayne
Weapon Used:
Officer's handgun
Suspect Disposition:
• Paroled in 1966
• Died at the scene

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Fort Wayne Police Department

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Officer Matthew C. Gebhardt

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Officer
Matthew C. Gebhardt
Fort Wayne Police Department
Wednesday, March 10, 1926

Panel 44W, Line 8
Panel L10, Line 5

   Officer Matthew Gebhardt was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for being intoxicated in public.

   The 37-year-old man was told to go home but an altercation ensued with his brother who struck Officer Gebhardt over the head with a brick. When his service weapon fell to the ground, the younger brother grabbed the firearm.

   He opened fire, striking Officer Gebhardt three times and his older brother once, killing him nearly instantly. Officer Gebhardt was taken to Methodist Hospital in Fort Wayne where he died.

   The 22-year-old suspect was on parole for theft and an early member of the Dillinger Gang. He was later convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison and paroled in 1966.

   Officer Gebhardt was survived by his wife, 12-year-old daughter, parents and sister.

Personal Details

Age: 36
Law Enforcement Service:
1 year, 4 months
Burial Place:
Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne