Thursday, February 16, 2012

In Memoriam: Officers Honey and Huntsman

Killed in the Line of Duty 88 Years Ago Today





















The Salt Lake City Police Department remembers the loss of two of its own: Officers Brigham H. Honey Jr. and William N. Huntsman, killed in the line of duty February 16, 1924. Officers Honey and Huntsman were killed while attempting to arrest an armed robber.


At approximately 11:30 p.m., a suspect entered the State Café, 46 W. Broadway, and ordered the clerk at gunpoint to surrender the money from the register. When the suspect rejoined his female companion on the street, an employee exited the cafe and fired a shot at them.


The noise attracted the attention of the two officers, who pursued the pair south on Main Street. At 337 S. Main, a gun battle ensued during which both officers and the suspect were wounded.


Officer Huntsman, 26, was killed immediately. Officer Honey, 34, died several hours later.


As other officers converged on the scene, the wounded suspect dragged his female companion into a doorway and shot her through the face. He then killed himself. The female accomplice survived her wound. She was subsequently released.


Officer Honey was married and the father of two children. Officer Huntsman was married and the father of a daughter. The officers are buried near each other in Salt Lake City Cemetery.


The Police Department wishes to thank the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial for its assistance in this remembrance.


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