More than a century ago, a night watchman named Green W. Rye was gunned down in the line of duty—a tragedy that still echoes through the corridors of Plano's history. The Plano Texas Police Department took to social media to memorialize the century-old sacrifice of Rye, who was fatally shot while disrupting a burglary at the Plano National Bank on February 28, 1920. The assailants escaped, and despite the efforts of local law enforcement, no one has ever been charged with his murder.
On that fateful morning at about 04:45 a.m., Rye encountered at least four individuals intent on robbing the bank. In an exchange of gunfire, he managed to fire five rounds at the suspects before succumbing to his injuries. The Plano Texas Police Department's post detailed how he was struck in the abdomen and spine with .45 slugs, and even though he staggered 20 feet to challenge his attackers, Rye later died uttering the heart-wrenching last words, "My poor wife, my poor children."
Investigative efforts by Captain Charles Gunning, then Chief of Detectives with the Dallas Police, and Sheriff Ed Blakeman of Collin County could not bring about closure to the case. Despite organizing a posse to hunt for the suspects and finding blood on the fence near a bullet hole from Rye's pistol, the culprits remained at large. The burglars not only left behind a scene of violence but also a vault chiseled open and approximately $10,000 in WWI Victory bonds stolen.
Rye's untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers have always faced. His dedication to protecting the citizens and the property of his community remains a revered legacy.
