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

On February 12, 1923 at just after 9:00 pm, 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 in the stomach. Officer Zinn returned fire critically wounding the suspect in the head, back and groin. Officer Zinn died of his injuries at St Lukes Hospital the following day. The suspect also died of his wounds at General Hospital on February 18th. A second suspect, who had been waiting outside the store and attempted to pick the suspect up after the shooting was held at gunpoint until police arrived. The store clerk, Officer Zinn's son, sustained a minor wound to his arm when he disarmed the suspect after the shootout.

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