In the spring of 1902, a violent confrontation in Atlanta, Georgia, resulted in the death of Police Officer Charles Edward Crabtree, a White male. On Saturday, May 17, 1902, Officer Crabtree and his fellow officers were attempting to arrest a group of men wanted for the beating of a former police officer.
The suspects had barricaded themselves inside a house located at the intersection of what was then known as Amy Street and Smith Street.
As the officers approached, the criminals opened fire from concealed positions within the residence. In the ensuing gunfight, Officer Crabtree was fatally wounded. The exchange of gunfire also claimed the lives of two other law enforcement officers, Policeman Hugh Osburn and Bailiff Ed Battle, who were shot and killed at the same intersection. A fourth officer, Tom Grant, was fatally shot nearby on McDaniel Street.
As the chaotic scene unfolded, several of the suspects attempted to flee the besieged house. They were met with deadly force from both the remaining officers and armed citizens who had gathered at the scene. These fleeing suspects were shot and killed during their escape attempt. The leader of the gang did not make it out of the house. After the shootout, the house was burned to the ground, and the gang leader's body was discovered inside. Due to the deaths of all the suspects during the confrontation, no arrests were made in connection with the murder of Officer Charles Crabtree and his colleagues.
