Walter M. Gilbert
Bureau of Prohibition – U.S. Department of Justice
Wednesday, July 22, 1931
Served: 2 years, 2 months
Badge #: 88
Panel 27E, Line 8
Panel L29, Line 2
Incident Details
Cause of Death:Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, July 22, 1931
08:10 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
Huntington Road near Waynedale
Incident County:
Allen
Incident Township:
Wayne
Weapon Used:
.45-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Apprehended
Burial Place:
Los Angeles Odd Fellows Cemetery,
Los Angeles, California
Special Agent Walter Gilbert and Special Agent John Wilson were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during an undercover operation in Fort Wayne.
The agents had arranged with the man to meet at a bridge for the delivery of liquor.
When the man arrived he suspected he was being setup and opened fire, striking Agent Wilson four times, killing him instantly. Agent Gilbert was struck once in the back and died from the wounds he suffered at Lutheran Hospital later that evening.
The 35-year-old suspect, who was also shot and wounded, was apprehended the following day.
Special Agent Gilbert was survived by his wife and three children.
Historical Note • This incident was one of 24 which resulted in the line of duty deaths of two officers. |
The responsibilities of the Bureau of Prohibition – U.S. Department of Justice (1930–1933) are now under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – U.S. Department of Justice.
Bureau of Prohibition – U.S. Department of Justice
Special Agent Gilbert