Officer Flanagan, 39, was shot and killed by a known robber and swindler named George E. Spencer, who had been in the neighborhood of West 14th for several days, and had been annoying the women and children in the area. The suspect had been staying with the J. Cox family, at 504 West 14th Street, but refused when was asked to leave.

On 05-14-12, Officer Flanagan was dressed in plain clothes while investigating the complaints made with Chief John Hayes when he noticed Spencer standing in front of 504 West 14th Street. Spencer went inside the building, and Officer Flanagan followed him. As Officer Flanagan entered, with the intention of placing Spencer under arrest, Spencer shot him with a revolver. The two men then fired at each other inside the residence, until both were fatally wounded. Spencer died at the scene. Officer Flanagan sustained two gunshot wounds in the chest and one in the abdomen was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where he died on May 16, 1903 at 5:07 am.

Officer Flanagan was in the company of Sergeant McNamara on June 29, 1902 when McNamara was shot and killed. Officer Flanagan joined the department June 13, 1900, serving for three years until his death. Interred: Woodlawn Cemetery, Independence, MO.

Article by Brent Marchant