In Memoriam: Officer Carl J. Carlson

Injured during a liquor raid the previous day, Officer Carl J. Carlson was killed in the line of duty March 9, 1929.

The 39-year-old victim and fellow officers raided 23 S. West Temple, where they located several barrels of mash. One of the 50-gallon barrels fell on Officer Carlson’s foot, which caused him to jump back and strike his head against the wall.

Following treatment for the foot injury at the hospital, Officer Carlson attended a wrestling
exhibition. There he was found semi-conscious, clinging to a lamppost. Taken to the hospital, he died the following morning of a basal skull fracture.

Officer Carlson was married and the father of six children. He is buried at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

If you have memories or photos of Officer Carlson to share, please email policehistory@slcgov.com or call (801) 799- 3340.