KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
Frank S. Archer
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Wednesday, Oct 18, 1920
Age: 29
DOB: Aug 27, 1891
Date of incident:
Cause: Gunfire
Suspect: 3 Apprehended, charged

Officer Frank Archer was shot and killed when he stopped and questioned a hitch hiker.

On 10-15-1920 at about 11:20 pm a man approached a man, Roy Allen, and his female companion who parked on Admiral Boulevard between Troost and Harrison and asked them to give him a ride downtown. Officer Archer traveling along Admiral on his motorcycle observed the man standing by the car and stopped and asked "What's going on here?" The man immediately drew an automatic pistol and shot Officer Archer in the left side and right arm as Officer Archer attempted to draw his pistol and the patrolman's pistol dropped to the ground. The suspect followed Officer Archer as he attempted to flee continuing to fire at the officer. As they entered a yard Roy Allen jumped the suspect from behind and succeeded in disarming him. Another man came to Allen's assistance and fired a shot from the captured pistol, flagging down a passing police officer. The suspect who identified himself as Charles L. Simpson of Holden, Missouri was taken into custody.

Charles Simpson was convicted and sentenced to life - he was sent to Jefferson City penitentiary December 10, 1920.

Officer Archer was appointed to the department on February 14, 1917. He was pronounced dead at General Hospital on October 18, 1920. Officer Archer, 29, was survived by his wife. Interred: Mount Washington Cemetery.

Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial