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Patrolman Howard Wagner was shot and killed as suspects were fleeing the armed robbery of the Merchants National Bank.
The robbery was being committed by four members of the Dillinger Gang. While he was directing traffic at Wayne and Michigan streets, Patrolman Wagner heard gunshots in the vicinity of the bank and went to investigate.
As he approached, three men exited the bank they had just robbed of $29,890. The lookout, allegedly Homer Van Meter, shot Patrolman Wagner as the suspects fled the scene in what was the last bank robbery committed by the Dillinger Gang.
Patrolman Wagner was transported to Epworth Hospital where he died.
Their getaway car was found abandoned later that day near Goodland.
Homer Van Meter, 28, was shot and killed by police in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 23, 1934 and John Dillinger, 31, was killed by FBI agents in Chicago on July 22, 1934.
Lester Gillis, 25, better known as 'Baby Face' Nelson, was shot and killed in the Battle of Barrington by federal agents in Barrington, Illinois on November 27, 1934.
The gunbattle resulted in Division of Investigation Special Agent Herman E. Hollis, 31, being shot and killed and Inspector Samuel P. Cowley, 35, who was shot and died the following day.
Patrolman Wagner was survived by his parents, four sisters and three brothers.
Historical Notes • The Dillinger Gang were involved in the line of duty deaths of five Indiana officers: |
