Circumstances of Death

Prohibition Agent Paul Albro Read arrested William Cates for violation of the National Prohibition Act in Missoula, MT.  Agent Read took Cates to the local jail using the suspect's own vehicle.  When they reached the jail yard, Cates suddenly pulled out a hidden gun and fired two shots at Agent Read, one shot striking him in the chest.  Agent Read attempted to take cover, but collapsed about 60' from the vehicle.  Cates followed and shot him again, twice.

Cates then attempted to escape, but the car keys were in Agent Read's pocket.  Sheriff, James Thompson and Constable L. F. Harlow, who witnessed the shooting, immediately placed Cates under arrest and seized a Colt revolver from him.  A search of his automobile recovered a gallon of whiskey.  Ironically, Agent Read had arrested Cates approximately three years earlier for a similar offense, without conflict. Cates was tried and convicted of first degree murder in October 1933 and sentenced to die (by hanging) on December 8, 1933.

Background

Agent Read joined the Prohibition Unit on July 28, 1926, with an annual salary of $1,860. He carried badge #1826.

Personal

Agent Read was born in Leeds, ND. He was survived by his wife, Leona and two children.