Appointed – January 15, 1923
End of Watch – August 14, 1923
On the evening of August 14th, 1923, Officer Emil Engstrom recognized and stopped a suspect who was wanted in the robbery of a bread wagon driver near the Curtis Hotel earlier in the day.
As Officer Engstrom approached the suspect, the suspect shot him in the neck. A nearby cab driver transported Officer Engstrom to General Hospital where Officer Engstrom identified the suspect prior to his death.
The suspect fled the scene and a hunt for him ensued. The suspect surrendered to the police two days later. He was found guilty of Officer Engstrom’s murder and was sentenced to life in Stillwater Penitentiary.
At the time of his death, Officer Engstrom was 36 years and old and married. He had only been with the department since January 1st, 1923. His funeral was held August 17th at the Swedish Tabernacle at 7th Street and 8th Avenue South and he was buried at Lakewood Cemetery.