Officer Willard S. VanHorn
Patrolman Willard Sylvester VanHorn was a 44-year-old Elwood police officer and World War I Army veteran who was fatally shot on the night of July 5, 1932. He was attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive inside a residence on North 14th Street in Elwood.
VanHorn was the first documented Elwood police officer killed in the line of duty.
July 5, 1932
Two suspects were involved in robbing a Muncie service station. The attendant was also abducted. The resulting investigation eventually led police toward Elwood. After receiving information that one of the robbery suspects might be hiding in Elwood, a Muncie police detective traveled to Elwood. Patrolman VanHorn and another officer were on duty at the time.
The three officers went to a residence at 1014 North 14th Street where they believed the fugitive to be hiding. The Muncie detective approached the front door while VanHorn and the other Elwood patrolman approached the rear entrance. At approximately 10:15 pm the two Elwood patrolmen entered the house, a man immediately opened fire. VanHorn was mortally wounded but managed to return fire. The Muncie detective also fired, wounding the gunman.
Officer VanHorn died at the scene that night.
The 23-year-old gunman, who was wounded during the encounter, confessed before dying the next day, July 6. The second suspect, a 17-year-old, was arrested in Summitville, Indiana. He was later convicted of auto banditry for his role in the original robbery and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He died in prison in 1935.
Officer VanHorn left behind a wife, Katherine May “Katie” Beeman, born January 13, 1894. Married March 10, 1915, in Anderson, Indiana. VanHorn had three children, two of which passed prior to his death during their infancy. Beeman passed away June 12, 1942 and is buried in Elwood Cemetery along side Willard.
- Vera Lucille Van Horn 1916–1994
- Earl Van Horn 1917–1917
- Willard Sylvester Van Horn Jr. 1918–1919
Prior to becoming a police officer VanHorn served in the United States Army during World War I.
Willard S. VanHorn
Elwood Police Department | End of Watch: July 5, 1932
