In Okmulgee, Oklahoma, a male by the name of Deputy Ralph Chapman was killed in the line of duty on November 15, 1908. He was one of several law enforcement officers who responded to a complaint regarding a man's fishing catch.
Upon arrival at the man's residence, Assistant Chief Henry Klaber was the first to approach and was fatally shot. Deputy Chapman, who had been deputized by the assistant chief, retrieved the fallen officer's weapon and engaged the suspect.
During the exchange of gunfire, both Deputy Chapman and his own brother, who had accompanied the officers, were killed by the suspect.
The confrontation escalated as more officers arrived, including Sheriff William Robinson of the Okmulgee County Sheriff's Department, who was also shot and killed. The ensuing gunfight involved over 500 shots being fired, during which two other law enforcement officers and three civilians were wounded. The lengthy standoff concluded when a fire was set to an adjacent house, which then spread to the suspect's dwelling. The suspect ultimately perished in the blaze.
