On September 15th, 1927, B&O Railroad Police Detective Alfred Knight was responding to a call when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

He and a fellow officer had been searching the local trainyards for three suspects who had jumped an incoming train. They finally found the men standing in a boxcar doorway and ordered them to step down. But just as the men hit the ground one of them drew a handgun and opened fire, hitting Detective Knight in the head. He went down as the men fled, but despite also being hit the other officer returned fire before going for help. A massive manhunt ensued.

Alfred died of his injuries soon afterwards. The wounded officer survived. Several suspects were questioned, but there was never enough evidence to support any charges.

Detective Knight was 25 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the B&O Railroad Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, father, and mother.