Officer Fleming died one month after being assaulted and beaten in an unprovoked attack outside a saloon. On June 22, Officer Fleming had a run-in with a bar patron earlier in the day. As Officer Fleming walked by "Cockney" Delougherty's Saloon at Third and Gillis Streets, he was jumped by the man, struck in the jaw, and knocked to the ground. As Officer Fleming lay there, the man took Officer Fleming's gun and club and proceeded to beat Officer Fleming with the club on his head until he was unconscious. He then kicked Officer Fleming repeatedly and fled the scene. Officer Fleming was taken home and regained consciousness but died of pneumonia as a result of his injuries on July 25th.

Officer Fleming joined the department on May 20, 1887 and served for ten years.