On September 5, 1916, Officers William A. Spangler and C.E. Bricker were involved in a struggle with Glenn White, a train porter, at 28th and Harrison Streets, when Bricker was injured and Spangler fatally wounded by a blackjack. Officer Spangler died of his wounds September 8, 1916, at St. Mary's Hospital.

Officer Spangler became a probationary patrolman May 21, 1914, and a regular patrolman in 1915. He worked out of the Walnut Street station at the time of his death, and had been active in vice raids. He was with the police department for two years.

Officer Spangler was survived by his wife.