Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Holt was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to question a man they saw run from an alley and jump into a car. They were able to stop the vehicle on North Western Street, and as Patrolman Holt opened the car's door, he was struck on the head and knocked down. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking Patrolman Holt twice in the head as he lay on the ground. The suspects and Patrolman Holt's partner then traded shots, and the partner was wounded several times. Both patrolmen were taken to City Hospital, where Patrolman Holt succumbed to his wounds the following day. Investigation revealed that the men had been involved in a robbery two months earlier in which Patrolman James McCracken of the Muncie, Indiana, Police Department was shot and killed. Three suspects were arrested in Illinois within a few days. Two of them were sentenced to life in prison, but both were pardoned, one in 1945 and the other in 1959. Patrolman Holt had served with the Springfield Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter. He was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-257993CF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Holt gave the Springfield Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Holt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles A. Holt is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Springfield Police Department, 4 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles A. Holt's cause is highlighted.
How Charles A. Holt Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles A. Holt is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles A. Holt was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
