Captain Phoenix was shot and killed while he and two other officers questioned two suspicious men. When the officers attempted to arrest the men a gun battle ensued and Captain Phoenix shot in the head and killed instantly.
Sergeant Schuyler Houston also sustained serious gunshot wounds in the shootout. Despite serious wounds and frequent trips to the hospital, Sergeant Houston remained with the police department and was promoted to captain. He eventually succumbed to the wounds on October 4, 1927.
The two suspects fled to Mexico and were never apprehended.
Captain Phoenix had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and 12-year-old daughte