Roll of Honor
Charles F. Artz
Incident
Location: Kansas Weapon: Handgun; .45 caliber Offender: Died in prison
Special Agent Charles Artz was shot and killed after arresting four men for vagrancy near the Rock Island Railroad tracks in north Wichita, Kansas. As he escorted the men to turn them over to a city patrolman three other men assaulted him and shot him once in the head. Their motive was revenge. Agent Artz had arresting them for vagrancy a few days earlier.
The three men who attacked him had nothing to do with the four men he had just arrested.
Agent Artz's killer was apprehended in 1925, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. He died in prison on December 31, 1956.
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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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Artz served with the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Island community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Artz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Charles F. Artz 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Police Department, 13 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles F. Artz's cause is highlighted.
How Charles F. Artz Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles F. Artz is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles F. Artz was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
