Incident
Night Watchman Louis Cashat was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance near the Holbrook-Taylor Garage at approximately 4:35 am.
Four juveniles, two boys and two girls, had stolen a vehicle in Houston and were driving towards Dayton when the vehicle ran out of gas. A rancher had picked the two boys up and offered to drive them into Dayton to get gas for the car. As they arrived in Dayton the two boys attacked the rancher, stabbing him several times, and disarmed him of his revolver.
Watchman Cashat went to investigate the disturbance but was shot and instantly killed by one of the boys. Both fled on foot but but were apprehended that night.
On January 4, 1951, both 17, were convicted of murder. One was sentenced to 99 years. The other was sentenced to 99 years plus another 99 years for armed robbery. One was released on February 20, 1960, and the other was paroled on February 21, 1968.
Watchman Cashat was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Watchman Cashat was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Night Watchman Cashat served with the Dayton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Cashat.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Louis is the only officer of Dayton Police Department remembered here.
Louis is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Louis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Louis 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 1950, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1950, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1950, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Louis was 50. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Louis was 50. 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.
Louis was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dayton Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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