Patrolman Gurney L. Royall

Patrolman Gurney L. RoyallBiographical Information

  • Age: 36
  • Tour of Duty: 3 years, 11 months
  • End of Watch: Friday, August 1, 1941

Incident Details

  • Cause of Death: Gunfire
  • Date of Incident: August 1, 1941
  • Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
  • Suspect Information: Apprehended

Incident Description

Patrolman Royall was shot and killed with his own service weapon after he and his partner, Patrolman Paul Blackburn, responded to a disturbance call at Third Street and Church Street in front of the Lincoln Theater. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Royall's weapon and fired it five times. The 4th shot struck Patrolman Royall in the head, killing him instantly. Before Blackburn gained control of the suspect, the suspect cut him severely on the neck with a knife. The suspect was taken into custody by Patrolman Blackburn and other officers. Blackburn recovered from his injury.

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