Sergeant William Smith and Officer Thomas Ward were shot on June 12, 1919, after responding to the scene of an armed robbery at the Meramec Trust Company, 3224 Meramec Street. Passersby alerted the officers to the robbery and several officers surrounded the building. As the robbers came out with $8,000 in cash and $12,000 in Liberty Bonds, an intense shootout erupted. The getaway driver fled the scene, leaving the three armed men alone and stranded. Two of the suspects escaped into an alley behind Osceola and Meramec Streets dropping the satchel with the money in front of St. Anthony's School. The suspects commandeered a horse and wagon that overturned after several blocks. The robbers then entered the back yard of 4526 Minnesota and hid in the basement. During the ensuing gun battle Sergeant Smith and Officer Ward were shot. The suspects attempted to flee, exiting the front of the residence and were captured shortly thereafter.

Sergeant Smith and Officer Ward were taken to Alexian Hospital. Sergeant Smith was shot in the left side of the head, left arm and chest. He died thirty days later. Officer Ward was struck by a round that passed through his lungs and liver before severing his spinal cord. He died the next day.

Lieutenant Smith had been employed with the St. Louis Police Department for 28 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1891 and to lieutenant the day after the shooting. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and two children. Interred: Calvary Cemetery, St Louis, MO.

Officer Ward, born in Ireland, joined the department in 1895. He was survived by his sister. Interred: Calvary Cemetery, St Louis, MO.