In the early morning hours of May 11, 1905, a dedicated 28-year-old White / Caucasian male officer with the Reading Police Department, Patrolman Charles F. Finn, was making his rounds. His two years of service had been marked by a commitment to protecting the citizens of Reading, Pennsylvania. As he patrolled near the intersection of Ninth and Franklin Streets, he discovered a burglary in progress at a local grain store.
Without hesitation, Patrolman Finn confronted the three individuals he found at the scene. The suspects immediately fled, and a chase ensued. As Finn pursued the men, one of them turned and fired a. 38 caliber revolver, striking the officer in the abdomen. Despite the grievous wound, help was summoned, and he was transported for medical attention. However, after 11 hours of fighting for his life, Patrolman Charles F. Finn succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, an investigation was launched to bring the responsible parties to justice. The shooter was apprehended by authorities. After being put on trial, the individual was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison. Information regarding the identities and fates of the other two accomplices has become scarce over the passage of time. At the time of his death, Patrolman Finn was unmarried.
