In the early spring of 1909, the city of Pueblo was shaken by the loss of one of its own. Frederick H. Barner, a 48-year-old White/Caucasian male and a dedicated officer with the Pueblo Police Department, met a tragic end on the night of March 21st. Having joined the force in 1908 after a career as a railroad conductor, Barner was known for his bravery and commitment to his duty. On that fateful Sunday evening, he was in the process of arresting two men suspected of a series of burglaries along Grand Avenue.
As Officer Barner escorted the two individuals to a police call box at 10th and North Main streets to summon a patrol wagon, the situation took a deadly turn. Just as he was opening the box to make the call, one of the suspects stepped back, drew a handgun, and fired a single shot that struck Barner in the chest, piercing his heart. The two assailants then fled into the night, disappearing into the vacant lots near the Grand Hotel. A detective who heard the shot arrived on the scene within minutes to find Officer Barner deceased.
The investigation that followed was extensive, with dozens of officers called in to search for the perpetrators. Several individuals were rounded up as suspects, but they were all eventually released due to a lack of evidence. Police believed the suspects were part of a gang responsible for recent burglaries in the area. One man, Felix Martinez, was arrested and charged based on witness descriptions and a hat found at the scene. However, the case against him was weakened by a significant discrepancy in evidence; Martinez was carrying a. 38 caliber revolver, while Officer Barner had been killed by a. 41 caliber bullet. Following an interview with the Las Animas County Undersheriff, it was concluded that Martinez was likely innocent, and he was released.
In the end, no one was ever convicted for the murder of Officer Frederick H. Barner. His death, a profound loss to the community, is remembered as a line-of-duty death, a testament to the dangers faced by law enforcement officers. His funeral was attended by nearly 1,000 people, a reflection of the high esteem in which he was held. He was survived by his wife and three sons.
