Chief Hayes, Patrolman William Kohrt, and Detective Eugene Cassidy were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter. As Chief Hayes entered the man’s kitchen he was shot with a 30-30 rifle. He yelled for help and Patrolman Kohrt and Detective Cassidy rushed into the house. When the suspect opened fire on them they attempted to retreat to a field across the street but the suspect shot them down as they fled. The suspect then fled to a cabin where he committed suicide as officers closed in on him.

Chief Hayes had been with the agency for nine years and was survived by his wife and two children.