Incident
Patrolman Frank Gebhardt was shot and killed near the intersection of Poydras Street and St. Charles Avenue while walking a prisoner to jail at about 6:00 pm.
Patrolman Gebhardt had come across the subject assaulting another man who owed him money. He placed the subject under arrest and began walking him toward the jail when they encountered a group of the man's friends. The friends began to encourage the subject to resist the arrest, which prompted Patrolman Gebhardt to blow his police whistle for assistance.
As other officers approached the man pulled out a pistol and shot Patrolman Gebhardt before fleeing. Other officers pursued the man and arrested him several blocks away.
Patrolman Gebhardt was taken to his home where he died approximately four hours later. The subject was charged with murder but acquitted in January 1869.
Patrolman Gebhardt was a veteran of the Louisiana First Cavalry. He had served with the New Orleans Police Department for approximately 18 months.
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BO-US-LA-324D10D9- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Gebhardt gave the New Orleans Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Francis Gebhardt served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Francis Gebhardt is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Orleans Police Department, 86 of 128 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Francis Gebhardt's cause is highlighted.
How Francis Gebhardt Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Francis Gebhardt is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
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