Charles P. Williams

End of watch — Saturday, January 13, 1923

Rank

Policeman

Serial number

567

Division

Central Vice

Location

8th and Stanford

Cause of death

Shot during a Vice Investigation

Ofcr Williams was working Central Vice when he and his partner heard the call of a man with a gun at the intersection of 8th and Stanford. As the Ofcrs were en-route their police vehicle broke down at 6th and Central Ave. Ofcr Williams continued on foot to the location where he confronted a man armed with a revolver. During the confrontation Ofcr Williams shot the suspect in the leg but was also struck twice by the suspects gunfire. Ofcr Williams was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A massive search was started for the murderer of Ofcr Williams. The suspect was caught a few hours later and convicted of the murder of Officer Williams. Officer Williams was the first African American Officer killed in the line of duty in the LAPD.