detective harry e parker

Appointed – December 28, 1920

End of Watch –  December 24, 1930

On December 8, 1930, Minneapolis police detectives, acting on a tip, raided an apartment at 825 8th Street South and discovered a criminal hideout just organized in Minneapolis.  Police arrested one man and also seized a large weapons arsenal containing shotguns, pistols, ammunition, tear gas, and a submachine gun.  After the discovery, Detectives Harry Parker and Dan Noonan stayed behind to try to catch two bank robbers from Chicago who were being sought as the leaders of the gang and who were expected to arrive at the apartment later.  On December 9, around 6:00 pm, the detectives heard footsteps and then a knock at the door.  The bank robbers entered and the detectives identified themselves.  Gunfire commenced leaving Detective Parker critically wounded and one of the assailants dead.  Detective Noonan called for back-up and an ambulance and Detective Parker was transported to Minneapolis General Hospital.  His condition improved after surgery and he was transferred to St Barnabas Hospital where he continued to improved.  Then, shortly before Christmas, Detective Parker’s health began to decline.  He was transferred home for Christmas to spend time with his wife, his son, and his daughter.  He lost consciousness on December 23 and passed away from his wounds on Christmas Eve morning.  Detective Parker was 38 years old and had served on the Minneapolis Police Department for 10 years.  His funeral and burial took place on December 27, 1930 at Crystal Lake Cemetery in North Minneapolis. 

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