Detective Wood was shot and killed during an undercover narcotics operation at 7th and Walnut.

Detective Wood and his partner were sitting in an unmarked patrol car attempting to identify and arrest drug abusers.

A man who was high was looking for a dope dealer with the last name "Woods". Patrolman Wood was pointed out to the suspect as being "Woods". The man went up to the car and shot Detective Wood without warning.

Detective Wood was the first black police officer with his agency to be murdered in the line of duty.