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Incident
Constable Arthur Smith was shot and killed while he and his partner patrolled an area off Easton Road, near the modern-day Newman Golf Course.
The officers stopped to investigate two cars parked on the side of the road. Constable Smith's partner stayed in the squad car as Constable Smith got out to investigate. As Constable Smith approached the vehicle he called out to the two occupants. One suddenly fired four shots, fatally wounding Constable Smith.
The shooter's accomplice surrendered to authorities the next day. He was exonerated by a coroner's jury and released. The shooter surrendered four weeks later. At the same time, two hunters came across the badly decomposed body of the accomplice near Havana. He had managed to leave a note before he died implicating the shooter in his death and the murder of the Night Marshal Martin Friedrich, of the Manito Police Department, on July 8th, 1922. The shooter was convicted of Constable Smith's murder and sentenced to life in prison. In 1924, after exhausting all his appeals, he hanged himself in prison.
Constable Smith had served with the Peoria Park District Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Constable Smith gave the Peoria Park District Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Peoria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Peoria Park District Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Arthur is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 21 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Arthur was 34. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Arthur was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Arthur was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Peoria Park District Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Peoria Park District Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Peoria Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.