Officer Koch was shot and killed on Wednesday, August 4, 1926, as he and other officers attempted to arrest a bootlegger who had jumped bail. Officer Koch and his partner approached the suspect and his wife as they returned to their car. The suspect pulled out a .45 caliber revolver and fired as Officer Koch attempted to grab it.

Both officers returned fire, wounding the suspect and his wife. They were both taken into custody. The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 8 years in prison on November 9, 1926.

Officer Koch had served with the Clinton Police Department for 4 years. He was 29 years old and survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and parents.

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