In the spring of 1902, a male bailiff named Ed Battle lost his life in the line of duty in Atlanta, Georgia. On Saturday, May 17, 1902, Bailiff Battle, who was associated with the Fulton County Office of Inspector of Roads and Bridges, joined a group of law enforcement officers in an attempt to apprehend a gang of criminals. The suspects were wanted in connection with the beating of a former police officer with whom they had previous conflicts.
The operation took a fatal turn when the
officers confronted the gang, who had barricaded themselves inside a house. From concealed positions within the residence, the criminals opened fire on the approaching officers. The ensuing gunfight resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement officials. Bailiff Battle, alongside Policeman Hugh Osburn and Officer Charles Edward Crabtree, was fatally shot at the intersection of Amy Street and Smith Street. A fourth officer, Thomas S. Grant, was killed nearby on McDaniel Street.
In the aftermath of the initial shootout, several of the suspects attempted to escape the besieged house. A number of them were shot and killed during their flight by both the remaining officers and armed citizens who had joined the fray. The standoff concluded when the house was set on fire. The leader of the gang was later discovered deceased inside the burned structure.
