In the line of duty, Officer N. G. 'Doc' Osborn, a 41-year-old male member of the Columbus Police Department, lost his life on the evening of Thursday, January 31, 1901. His death came as a result of a sudden and violent encounter while he was making an arrest.
That evening, Officer Osborn was dispatched to a prostitution house on 8th Street to investigate a complaint about a man who was drunk and disorderly. Upon his arrival, he located the individual asleep in a bedroom upstairs.
After waking the man, Osborn escorted him downstairs and began the walk to the local jail. It was during this transport that the situation took a fatal turn. The man he was arresting unexpectedly produced a pistol and fired at Officer Osborn. Although Osborn drew his own weapon in response, he collapsed from his injury before he had the chance to fire back.
The suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was apprehended a short time later. Following his capture, the man was put on trial and subsequently convicted of manslaughter for the killing of Officer Osborn. He received a sentence of 14 years in prison for his crime. In a turn of events, on February 6, 1903, the man was granted a pardon by Governor Terrell. The reason cited for the pardon was the man's deteriorating health due to pulmonary issues, with the belief that he was not likely to live much longer.
