United States of America
Headstone of James H. Trepanier

James H. Trepanier

Died September 20, 1938

James H. Trepanier.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Patrolman James Trepanier succumbed to gunshot wounds received ten years earlier when he and his partner attempted to arrest several men in a club at 718 Sixth Avenue North at 4:00 a.m. When his partner left the room to call for a wagon, one of the men opened fire, hitting Officer Trepanier multiple times. He returned fire, but the shooter fled the scene. Patrolman Trepanier was transported to the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries. One of the bullets remained lodged in his spine, causing him to become paralyzed until his death. Three men were arrested and charged with accessory, but charges were dropped when everyone testified that a fourth man shot Officer Trepanier. The shooter fled the area and continued committing crimes and murder until he was killed in a gang war in Detroit. He had been identified as the shooter of Patrolman Miles Cunningham of the Chicago Police Department (Illinois) on September 22, 1933. Patrolman Trepanier was a United States Army WWI veteran. At the time of the shooting, Patrolman Trepanier had served with the Minneapolis Police Department for five years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Media
James H. Trepanier
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Service Record
Also Served
Minneapolis Police Department
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 55W · Line 14 cut as JAMES W TREPANIER
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtndn1x6sz31k096excym
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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 Trepanier gave the Minneapolis Police Department 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Minneapolis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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