JB
U.S. Army · United States 
James Brown
1901
James W. Brown served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Location: Illinois
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Shot and killed
Special Officer James Brown was shot and killed near Cahokia, Illinois, while attempting to arrest several men who had stolen brass from the railroad.
He and a track inspector had seen the group driving a in a buggy and went to investigate what they were doing, and discovered them melting the brass over a fire. He told two of them they were under arrest and then instructed them to load the brass into the buggy. As he walked over to the buggy, someone hidden inside fatally shot him and fired at the inspector.
The inspector returned fire as he retreated back to his office.
One of the subjects was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout.
Officer Brown was a U.S. Army veteran and had previously served with the East St. Louis Police Department.
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Shot and killed
Special Officer James Brown was shot and killed near Cahokia, Illinois, while attempting to arrest several men who had stolen brass from the railroad.
He and a track inspector had seen the group driving a in a buggy and went to investigate what they were doing, and discovered them melting the brass over a fire. He told two of them they were under arrest and then instructed them to load the brass into the buggy. As he walked over to the buggy, someone hidden inside fatally shot him and fired at the inspector.
The inspector returned fire as he retreated back to his office.
One of the subjects was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout.
Officer Brown was a U.S. Army veteran and had previously served with the East St. Louis Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Mobile and Ohio Railroad Police Department
Special Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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