Patrolman Keown was shot and killed when he responded to a gun call at a tavern located at Seventh and Arcade. The suspect was fleeing out of the back door when he confronted Patrolman Keown and shot him.

The suspect was later apprehended in New York and executed in the electric chair for a murder he committed there.

Patrolman Keown had served with the agency for 16 months. He was survived by his wife and child.