On December 25th, 1927, Dayton Police Patrolman Walter E. Rauch was responding to an armed robbery call when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

He had been searching for two men suspected in three holdups late Christmas Eve. Alerted to the report of a body, fellow officers found him on a sidewalk near a known hangout for highwaymen. Patrolman Rauch had been shot in the chest—but appeared as if at attention—arms at his sides, baton and service revolver still holstered. The main theory held that the men had jumped him but immediately realized he was an officer, and one had fired to keep him from drawing his handgun.

Walter died of his injuries at the scene that Christmas Day. A massive manhunt ensued. A number of suspects were questioned, but the killer was never caught.

Patrolman Rauch was 41 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for six years. He was survived by his pregnant wife, daughter, and two sons.

Walter was known for being an excellent officer, who prior to serving as a patrolman had been assigned to the liquor squad. He was widely considered to be a model citizen, and was a highly respected and accomplished musician who had served as the orchestra director for his church.