On December 11, 1901, Herman Youngst, a 58-year-old male police officer with the Houston Police Department, was fatally shot in the line of duty. Officer Youngst, who was of German descent, had served the department for 28 years and was a veteran of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Sid Preacher, a well-known gambling promoter in Houston.
Preacher had been arrested the day before by another officer and vowed revenge.
The incident occurred at the northwest corner of San Jacinto and Congress streets, in front of Yaden's Saloon. Eyewitnesses reported that Preacher grabbed a double-barreled shotgun from a buggy and began shooting at the officers. Officer Youngst attempted to take cover but was struck over the head with the shotgun by Preacher. Despite being injured, Officer Youngst managed to shoot Preacher before succumbing to his wounds. Officer J.C. James, who was also present, was able to return fire and kill Preacher before he too died from his injuries.
Following the incident, an investigation revealed that Preacher's attorney, J.E. Brockman, had encouraged Preacher to arm himself and shoot any police officer attempting to arrest him without a warrant. Brockman was subsequently arrested and charged with the murder of Officers Youngst and James. The case highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the lengths to which some individuals would go to avoid arrest.
Officer Herman Youngst was survived by his two daughters and is remembered for his dedication and service to the Houston Police Department. His final resting place is in Washington Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
