Officer Fults was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man wanted for shooting his brother-in-law. Officer Fults and his partner, Officer Hart, had gone to 2308 Chestnut Street where the suspect, John Thornton, was supposed to be. As Officer Hart covered the front of the residence, Officer Fults opened the rear door and was met by gunfire that struck him in the arm. He was able to return fire and shoot Thornton three times. Although seriously wounded, the suspect continued to shoot and struck Officer Fults in the heart. Thornton was apprehended at his fathers residence at Chippewa and Gravois. He was tried and sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Fults was survived by his wife, Clara, of 9 years and two sons and father, Jacob. Interred: Dick Cemetery, Maeystown, Illinois.