Detective James Arnold was shot and killed as he and another detective attempted to arrest a man for larceny. The detectives located the man at home where they encountered him and confiscated a pistol.
The man was granted permission to change clothes and the two detectives accompanied him to a bedroom. When he reached into a trunk to pick up a pair of pants he grabbed a revolver that was hidden underneath. He immediately shot Detective Arnold in the head and then fled the scene. The man was eventually apprehended.
Detective Arnold had served with the East St. Louis Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and two children.