On May 3rd, 1947, Dayton Police Patrolman Sherman E. Nowlin was in a high-speed pursuit when he suffered critical injuries in a vehicle collision.

He was riding as a passenger in a cruiser being driven by a fellow officer. They had been responding to a prowler call, but when they saw a reported stolen car, they gave chase. They were right on its tail when it raced through a railroad crossing that had no signalman or signal lights. But just as the cruiser started to cross the tracks, without any warning Patrolman Nowlin’s side was struck by a locomotive—that was moving backwards with no lights on—despite the predawn darkness.

Sherman died of his injuries at the scene. The other officer was injured but survived. Various suspects were questioned, but the driver of the stolen car was never apprehended.

Patrolman Nowlin was 23 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for just 11 days. He was survived by his wife, 1-day-old son, father, sister, and brother.

Sherman was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran.