Officer Hauserman was a member of the department's "strong arm squad" responsible for keeping down vice in the Walnut Street Station district. His squad had frequently raided the saloon at 1204 Troost and Officer Hauserman had been the target of many threats by the saloon's owner, John Brennan. Brennan also threatened to use his influence with a friend of his, Tom Pendergast, to get even with the officers for raiding his establishment and harassing him. On January 31st, 1915, as Officer Hauserman was using the telephone at the candy store at 12th and Troost, Brennan walked up behind the officer and shot him in the back. As Officer Hauserman turned towards his assailant, Brennan fired another shot at Officer Hauserman's head, killing him. Brennan was caught and prosecuted.