On November 28, 1943, Motorcycle Officer Richard S. Booth, age 29, was killed instantly when his motorcycle overturned at Louisiana Avenue and 11thStreet, while chasing a speeding vehicle.
Officer Booth was observed pursuing a vehicle north on Nebraska Avenue, in which there were three boys and a girl. When he made a right turn onto Louisiana Ave., Officer Booth dropped his motorcycle, but got up immediately and continued the pursuit.
As he sped east on Louisiana, crossing 11th St., his motorcycle hit a dip in the pavement and went out of control. The vehicle fled the scene.
A 17-year-old juvenile was later arrested and charged with no valid driver's license and reckless driving. In December of 1943, he was sentenced to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
His wife, daughter and two sons survived Officer Booth.