On May 14th, 1916, Dayton Police Patrolman Charles V. Thomas was on an undercover assignment when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

While working a sting operation, he and a fellow officer had purchased a pint of contraband whiskey from two suspected bootleggers. But just when they started to place them under arrest one of the suspects took a few steps back and, without any warning, pulled out a handgun and opened fire, hitting Patrolman Thomas in the chest. He went down, but the other officer returned fire and wounded the fleeing suspect.

Charles died of his injuries one week later, on May 21st, 1916. The shooter had died two days after the incident.

Patrolman Thomas was 41 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, three brothers, and sister.

Charles was known for having taken prominent leadership roles in every position of responsibility he was assigned.