Albert P. Crigler, a 40-year-old constable from Cloverdale, California, met a tragic end on April 28, 1888. Crigler was performing his duties as a law enforcement officer when he was fatally shot by a stagecoach robber. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when the stagecoach traveling from Cloverdale to Lakeport was ambushed by two masked men on Geysers Spring Road, approximately four miles east of Cloverdale. The robbers, who were brothers-in-law, seized the Wells, Fargo & Co. strongbox and instructed the driver to continue his journey.
Upon receiving news of the robbery, Constable Crigler quickly deputized Samuel Allen, and together they set out to apprehend the culprits. They tracked the robbers to a rocky area near Sulpher Creek by late afternoon. Crigler ordered the men to surrender, but only one complied, placing his revolver on the ground. The second robber, however, refused to disarm and shot Crigler in the right side with a .44 caliber Colt’s navy revolver, killing him almost instantly. Deputy Allen responded swiftly, shooting the assailant through the left eye with his .44 caliber Winchester rifle, resulting in the robber's immediate death. The other suspect, though seriously wounded in the right arm, managed to escape but was captured two days later near Santa Rosa. He was found in possession of the stolen money and was subsequently convicted of murder, receiving a 25-year prison sentence.
The aftermath of Crigler's death saw Wells, Fargo & Co. providing financial support to his widow and rewarding Deputy Allen for his bravery. Crigler, who had served as a constable for three years and also held the position of deputy sheriff with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department, left behind a wife and four children. His dedication to duty and ultimate sacrifice were honored by his community, and he was laid to rest in the Cloverdale Cemetery. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during that era and underscored the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the face of criminal activities.
