Officer Barnes was shot and killed while he and two other officers attempted to apprehend a burglary suspect at a store.

On April 6, 1924, Officer Barnes who had responded to a report of a burglary in progress was covering the front door of a drygoods store at 6002 East 15th Street, as two ofther officers covered the rear. The suspect exited through the front door and shot Patrolman Barnes in the neck as he fled. Three officers chased after the suspect on foot but lost him in an alleyway. Officer Barnes was transported to the East Side Hospital where he succumbed to the wound 15 minutes later.

A parked vehicle was discovered nearby containing stolen items from another dry goods store at 4308 E. 15th Street.

Officer Barnes, 27, a World War I veteran, had been with the agency for two years and was assigned to Sheffield Station. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and a son. Interred: Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery, Louisburg, Kansas.

Article by Brent Marchant