Detective Sergeant James Mobrak was shot and killed during a burglary investigation.

On February 3, 1937, Detective Sergeant Mobrak and his partner, Sergeant Calcaterra just placed two burglary suspects they apprehended with burglary tools at 5460 Rhodes into their squad car. As his partner went to check the residence where the two were taken into custody, one of the suspects pulled a .32 caliber semi automatic pistol from his shoe and began shooting, striking Sergeant Mobrak six times, striking both of his lungs and his descending aorta. Sergeant Calcaterra and two other detectives returning to the car shot and killed both suspects.

Detective Sergeant Mobrak, born in Syria, was a 13 year veteran of the St. Louis Police Department, joining the force in 1924 and was promoted to sergeant in 1935. His wife and three children survived him. Interred: St Peter and St Paul Cemetery.