KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
William Carlos Zinn
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Tuesday, Feb 13, 1923
Date of incident: Feb 12, 2023
Tour: 13 years
Age: 55
DOB: Aug 1, 1867
Cause: Gunfire

Officer Willam Zinn was shot and fatally wounded when he attempted to arrest a robbery suspect.

On February 12, 1923 Officer William Zinn, who was present in the Van Pelt Drug Store, 3401 E. 12th Street, as a suspect, James H. Warner, robbed the store clerk. Officer Zinn stepped into view and confronted the suspect, who was armed with a Luger pistol, as he attempted to exit the store. The suspect spun and fired at Officer Zinn, wounding him. Officer Zinn returned fire fatally wounding the suspect. Officer Zinn died of his injuries at St Lukes Hospital the following day. The Warner also died of his wounds at General Hospital on February 18th. A second suspect, armed with a shotgun, who had been waiting outside the store and attempted to pick Warner up was held at gunpoint until police arrived and was arrested. The store clerk, Officer Zinn's son, sustained a minor wound to his arm during the battle.

Officer Zinn, born in Cerro Gordo, Illinois joined the police department in 1909. He was survived by his wife, Anna Belle, and son Kendall. Interred: Forest Hill Cemetery.

Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial