Chief of Detectives Sam A. Street

Chief of Detectives Sam A. Street
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: 1866
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Sunday, September 11, 1927
Date of Incident: Saturday, September 10, 1927
Age: 60
Badge Number: 57
Tour of Duty: 10 yr
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison but paroled 1957
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Buried: Mission Burial Park
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P10 - E17
TPOM: 03, C, 12

Chief of Detectives Street was investigating a tip that a notorious bandit, John M. (Pete) McKenzie 25 year old, alias "The Lone Eagle" who was about to holdup the Piggly Wiggly store at the corner of San Pedro Street and Laurel Street. Chief Street was on a stakeout of the location with two Detectives. When the suspect entered the store to rob it, Chief Street appeared and asked the suspect "What are you doing here, boy?” The suspect turned and pulled out two pistols and shot and killed Chief Street. The suspect was arrested and sentenced to death, but that sentenced was reduced to life in prison. He was paroled on September 13, 1957.

Chief Street had been with the agency for ten years and was survived by his wife and children.

Mayor Phil Wright stated Chief Street had watched the new detective headquarters rise from foundation. The new $100,000 detective headquarters was still under construction on Main Plaza September 12, 1927. Mayor Wright continued Chief Street planned the building and was proudly awaiting the completion. Mayor Wright quoted Chief Street; a new headquarters "would spur his force to greater efforts." Mayor Wright felt once the new headquarters is complete; the building should be named after Chief Street.

"He arrested me a dozen times but he always was kind to me and I want one last glance at him" one of the visitors confided in Porter Loring.

Chief Street was a 32 degree Mason and Shriner of San Antonio Masonic Lodge A.M. F.M. and had a Masonic ceremony at his burial. ----Information from San Antonio Light