Age: 48
Served: 9 years
September 16, 1907 to July 3, 1916
On July 1, 1916, Patrolman Yarnell was called to Caldwell Street for a report of an intoxicated Walter Balser abusing his wife. Patrolman Yarnell attempted to arrest the powerfully built Balser and several officers were needed to overcome his resistance.
While in the search room at the Hamilton Police station, at 6:15 p.m., Dr. Zerfass tried to tend the wounds that Balser sustained during his arrest. When Inspector Walke ordered Balser to sit in a chair, Balser suddenly punched him knocking him unconscious. As he fell, Balser flung himself on top of the Inspector. Inspector Walke’s head struck the cement floor, fracturing his skull. Balser had to be pulled off by Dr. Zerfass. He boasted to Dr. Zerfass, “Did you see how I handled that guy?”
Inspector Walke was carried into the Mayor’s office bleeding from the nose and ears. Dr. Edward Cooke was called and he ordered the inspector to Mercy Hospital. His condition worsened before arriving at the hospital and steadily thereafter until Monday morning, July 3, 1916, when all hope of a recovery was given up and the family was called to the hospital. Inspector Walke never regained consciousness and died that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. from the fractured skull and concussion of the brain.
Discover more from The Greater Cincinnati Police Museum
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
