Officer Charles Ware was shot and killed while searching a subject under arrest.

   He had responded to a report of a disturbance in an alley near the O'Key's Saloon near George and East streets. After the crowd dispersed, an intoxicated man approached and refused to leave the area.

   Officer Ware arrested the man, a member of the Boo Gang, and walked him to the Cincinnati Brewing Company to call for a patrol wagon. As the man was being searched, he produced a revolver and shot Officer Ware in the temple, killing him instantly.

   The 24-year-old suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. He was subsequently found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in a change of venue to Morgan County and sentenced to life in prison.

   He escaped in 1899 but was recaptured and paroled in 1917.

   Officer Ware was survived by his wife and 4-year-old son.

   Although initially buried in an unmarked grave, a headstone was dedicated on May 13, 1975 in his honor after members of the department contributed to its purchase.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.