On July 29, 1933, Sergeant Bigus and Officer H.K. Klapmeyer responded to a robbery call at the Kansas City Gas Company, 4714 Broadway. Just after the officers arrived, the suspect snuck into the Walgreen store at 47th and Broadway. Sergeant Bigus entered the store a short time later and ordered the suspect to put his hands up. The suspect drew a gun and he and Sergeant Bigus struggled inside the store. The suspect twisted Sergeant Bigus' arm (which had just recently healed from being broken in four places) until Sergeant Bigus' weapon discharged into his own body. Although wounded himself, Sergeant Bigus was able to regain control of his weapon and shoot the suspect. The suspect was killed by the shot. Sergeant Bigus was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he died a short time later.