In the late summer of 1905 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a dedicated and courageous 49-year-old male patrol driver for the local police department, Charles C. Platner, would tragically lose his life in the line of duty. Known for his bravery and described as "one of the nerviest men on the police force," his death on September 3, 1905, stemmed from an incident that occurred the previous day.
On Saturday, September 2, 1905, Patrol Driver Platner and his partner responded to a burglary in
progress in the vicinity of the 400 block of Oakland Avenue. Upon their arrival, they encountered the suspect, who immediately fled on foot. A chase ensued as the two officers pursued the burglar. During the pursuit, as Platner's partner was climbing over a fence, his revolver accidentally fell from its holster. The firearm struck the ground and discharged.
The single round from his partner's weapon struck Charles Platner in the chest. He was gravely wounded and immediately transported to the General Hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, Patrol Driver Platner succumbed to the gunshot wound the following day, on September 3, 1905.
The initial suspect, the burglar the officers were chasing, managed to escape during the confusion and tragedy of the accidental shooting. There are no available online records detailing the burglar's identity or if they were ever apprehended for the initial crime. The death of Patrol Driver Platner was ultimately ruled an accident, a tragic consequence of a fellow officer's mishap during a dangerous pursuit. Charles C. Platner, the son of pioneer residents Mr. and Mrs. Ira Platner, was survived by his wife and daughter and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery.
