Policewoman Pearl Lanham was struck and killed by a vehicle after assisting children cross a street near the Glen Park Elementary School in the Glen Park neighborhood.

   She had just escorted three children across Broadway and was returning for several other children when she was struck by a car traveling southbound.

   Policewoman Lanham died before the arrival of an ambulance having suffered a crushed skull and numerous broken bones.

   The 35-year-old driver brought his car to a stop after dragging her some 80 feet. He was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter.

   Policewoman Lanham (née Wheatley) was survived by her husband, 8-, 5- and 4-year-old and 8-month-old daughters, mother, three brothers and sister.

Historical Notes • Policewoman Lanham is the first known female law enforcement line of duty death in Indiana. • She also is the sixth known female line of duty death in the United States.

Read more on Policewoman Lanham being remembered on the 95th anniversary of her death in our News Release.