Officer Claude Brice was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three burglary suspects.

On December 31, 1904, Officer Brice received infromation from an informant who overheard a gang of safecrackers at the St. James Hotel planning the robbery of a meat market in the 100 block of Main Street. Officer Brice went to the hotel and observed the location. Failing to see the suspects he began to cross the street then saw the three suspects. Officer Brice ordered the men to halt and fired a warning shot as they began to run. Two of the thieves took up postions behind a telephone pole and another behind a corner and opening fire on Officer Brice, striking him in the hand and chest, killing him instantly. The three men were later apprehended and sentenced to lengthy sentences. Two of them later escaped custody.

Officer Brice, 31, served on the Joplin Police Department for 18 months.