Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Benjamin Cline was shot and killed as he investigated a suspicious individual who had been loitering outside a hotel room that was being used as a temporary cell for a notorious train robber. As Policeman Cline approached the man and attempted to question him, the man fled. Policeman Cline pursued him and was about to overtake him when the suspect suddenly turned and fired a pistol. The shot struck Policeman Cline in the lung, and he died within a half hour.
Policeman Cline's killer was captured and held in the same room as the train robber, who admitted that the two were acquainted. In the middle of the night, a mob gathered and stormed the hotel. The train robber jumped up from his bed and was shot and killed. Policeman Cline's murderer taken from the hotel and lynched, in spite of efforts made by the detectives guarding him to save his life.
I am always relieved to hear that justice has been seen to be served. unfortunately your death happened. You are a true Hero and your service and ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered. Continue to rest in peace Officer Cline.
Elizabeth Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen. Riverside County Sheriffs Department December 18th, 2024
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-BF16AC0E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
155 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Cline served with the Union City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Benjamin Cline 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Union City Police Department, 4 of 4 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. Benjamin Cline's cause is highlighted.
How Benjamin Cline Compares
Offender Outcome
Lynched
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Benjamin Cline is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Benjamin Cline was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Union City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
