Prev
Incident
Patrolman Charles Collis succumbed to a gunshot wound he received when he was shot by a man who had requested help from him on March 6, 1904. Patrolman Collis was on post when the subject approached him and asked him to accompany him to the Jones Boarding House, where a woman had some clothes that belonged to him. Patrolman Collis followed the suspect into the house. When the female occupant met the subject, he got involved in an argument with her. The suspect drew a handgun and shot the female twice. As Patrolman Collis attempted to disarm the subject, he was shot. He returned fire but missed the subject when he fled. The suspect was chased to police headquarters by Patrolman Collis' partner, where he was arrested. The next day, he was taken from the jail by an angry mob, shot, and then lynched. The female survived her gunshot wounds. Patrolman Collis was taken to the hospital where he died the next day. Patrolman Collis had served with the Springfield Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and one child. He is buried in Saint Raphaels Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpcaq3jn8gy4fx501art- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Collis gave the Springfield Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Collis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Springfield Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1904, 2 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1904, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 82 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 45. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 14.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Springfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Springfield Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
