Officer Charles Dingman was shot and fatally wounded during a car check.

On December 2, 1929, Officer Dingman was on patrol at 31st Street and Jackson Avenue, when he pulled up next to a car carrying three men who - John Watson, Joe Hershon, and Charles M. Curtis. He attempted to approach them, and Watson and Hershon opened fire. Officer Dingman was mortally wounded, and died December 4, 1929 at St Luke's Hospital. The three men, John W. Watson, Russian born Joe Hershon, and Charles M. Curtis were found and arrested. It was discovered that they were known gangsters, had been released from jail that October and they were charged in more than 15 holdups. Watson confessed to fatally wounding Officer Dingman. Watson committed suicide in jail in January 1930 by drinking lye; Joe Hershon was hanged in Jackson County Jail on January 15, 1932; and Charles Curtis was sentenced to life in prison.

Charles H. Dingman Jr., 28, was a member of the police force for six years, previously served with the National Guard for four years and was survived by his wife, Ida, a son, Charles H. DIngman III; two stepsons. Junion Dingman and Clarence Dingman; his parents, Mr. and Mrs, Charles H. Dingman and a brother, John E. Dingman. Interred: Mount Moriah.

Article by Brent Marchant