Officer T.P. “Perry” Gates was born in La Crosse on April 7, 1863. On September 13, 1897, he was sworn as a member of the La Crosse Police Department.

On September 7, 1900, just before 1:00AM, information was received by the La Crosse Police Department from authorities in La Crescent, MN that a robbery had occurred and three armed suspects were possibly heading toward La Crosse. The three men had reportedly entered a railroad boxcar and robbed the men that were in the boxcar at gunpoint. One of the victims, Mr. Alfred Carlson, refused to give up his money and was brutally whipped by one of the robbers who took $9.00 from him. The robbers then fled on foot, and the incident was reported to the Minnesota authorities.

Upon receiving the bulletin about the crime and suspects, Officer Gates suggested that the on-duty officers search the area around the Mississippi River Wagon Bridge. Officers Gates and Schubert hitched up the police patrol horse and buggy, while Officers Jacques and Horschak headed down to the area on foot. When Gates and Schubert reached the wagon bridge, the tollmaster advised them that three men had just left the bridge about 10 minutes earlier. Schubert and Gates then began to search the area for the suspects and spotted three men matching the description at the intersection of Third and King Streets. Gates stopped the buggy and jumped out, drew his weapon, and ordered the three men to halt. At this time, according to Officer Schubert, the men who were standing three abreast, stopped. One then yelled something to the effect, “throw up!” and all three drew handguns and began firing at Officer Gates. The shots scared the horses and they bolted and ran, carrying Officer Schubert away from the scene, with the three men firing at him at this time. By the time Officer Schubert could stop the horses and return to his partner, Officer Gates was lying dead in the street. He had fired his weapon, but was struck by one bullet in the abdomen and one in the right arm.

Officer T. P. “Perry” Gates died at the age of 37 in the service of the City of La Crosse. His death orphaned his three children. Officer Gates was loved by his family, respected by his fellow officers, and sorely missed by all in death.

This story is based on extensive research completed by retired LCPD Lieutenant Daniel J. Marcou and summarized based on Lt. Dan's historical writings. The date of death was confirmed by an uncertified Death Certificate provided by the La Crosse County Register of Deeds.