KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
Stephen O. Flanagan
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Saturday, May 16, 1903
Age: 38
DOB: August 6, 1863
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Cause: Gunfire
Weapon: Revolver
Incident Location: Jackson CountyLocation: 504 W. 14th St.
Suspect: Shot & killed

Officer Stephen Flanagan was shot and killed by a suspect while investigating complaints of a man harassing women.

Officer Flanagan, who was dressed in plain clothes while investigating complaints made with Chief John Hayes in regard to a man harrassing women and children in a neighborhood on West 14th Street when he observed George E. spencer, a known robber and swindler, standing in front of 504 West 14th Street. Spencer went inside the building, and Officer Flanagan followed him. As Officer Flanagan entered, with the intention of placing Spencer under arrest, Spencer shot him with a revolver. The two men exchanged gunfire with each other inside the residence, until both were fatally wounded. Spencer died at the scene. Officer Flanagan sustained two gunshot wounds in the chest and one in the abdomen. Officer Flanagan was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where he died on May 16, 1903 at 5:07 am.

Officer Flanagan was in the company of Sergeant McNamara on June 29, 1902 when McNamara was shot and killed. Officer Flanagan joined the department June 13, 1900, serving for three years until his death. Interred: Woodlawn Cemetery, Independence, MO.

Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial