In the summer of 1907, the tranquil community of Lake Placid, New York, was disturbed by an act of violence that would claim the life of one of its own. Patrolman Fred M. Cutler, a 54-year-old male officer with the Lake Placid Police Department, was fatally shot on July 1st of that year. The incident began when a man was reported to be recklessly driving his horse and buggy through the town's streets, creating a public disturbance and reportedly threatening to kill any officer who dared to intervene.
Responding to the escalating situation under orders from the village president, Patrolman Cutler, accompanied by another officer, located the disruptive individual inside a local barber shop on Main Street. As the two officers entered the establishment to make an arrest, the suspect, without warning, opened fire. Patrolman Cutler was struck in the chest, while his fellow officer sustained a wound to the arm. Despite efforts to save him, Fred Cutler succumbed to his gunshot wound the following day, on July 2, 1907.
The suspect, identified as George Delcour, fled the scene immediately after the shooting. A manhunt ensued, and he was later apprehended near the neighboring community of Bloomingdale. Delcour was subsequently charged with the murder of Patrolman Cutler. Following a trial, he was convicted of the crime and sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for the death of the officer. After serving 10 years of his sentence, George Delcour was pardoned by Governor Whitman.
