Lieutenant James Hagerty was shot and killed by a theft suspect who had an earlier encounter with another officer.

   The other officer was investigating a subject who had reportedly stolen vehicle tires and chased him to the rear of a home on South Tremont Street. A struggle ensued and the suspect fled the scene with that officer's service revolver.

   A short time later, the 30-year-old suspect was found hiding in weeds near Standard Avenue at the east bank of Eagle Creek when he shot at Lieutenant Hagerty. His second shot struck him in the abdomen and heart, killing him instantly.

   A citizen confronted the suspect a short distance away and held him until officers arrived. The man was later found guilty of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison and paroled in 1944.

   Lieutenant Hagerty was widowed and survived by his sister.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.