Coke Buchanan, a 53-year-old male officer of the Borger Police Department in Texas, tragically lost his life on March 19, 1927. Buchanan was shot and killed while attempting to assist a fellow officer who was being attacked by several men. The incident occurred when another patrolman had stopped a vehicle occupied by the infamous "Cotton Top Walker Gang," and the five passengers exited the vehicle to assault the officer.
Buchanan, witnessing the attack from across the street, ran to help but was fatally shot as he crossed the street.
The suspects involved in Buchanan's death were members of the Cotton Top Walker Gang, led by the Kimes brothers. The gang was notorious for its criminal activities, including the murder of Deputy Perry Chuculate in Oklahoma the previous year. Matthew Kimes, one of the gang leaders, had escaped from prison and continued his crime spree, which included the murder of Buchanan. The Kimes brothers were convicted of manslaughter in connection with Deputy Chuculate's murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, Matthew Kimes managed to escape and was later arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona, on June 23, 1927.
Buchanan had only been with the Borger Police Department for two months, having previously served 15 years with the Waco Police Department. He was survived by his five children, who undoubtedly faced great hardship following his death. The tragic loss of Buchanan was a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, and his sacrifice is remembered and honored by his fellow officers and the community.
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