Deputy Freeman was shot and killed by an eighteen year-old suspect who was trying to break his girlfriend out of the state school in Marshall, Missouri.

The suspect year-old man, Norman Blodgett, had been on a robbery spree over the previous week, having robbed businesses in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago. The suspect later advised police that he stole a .38 caliber revolver in Kansas City. He robbed a restaurant in Kansas City the next day then took a bus to Chicago where he robbed another restaurant. After 3 days in Chicago he took a bus to St. Louis where he committed a robbery at a restaurant and one at a liquor store. He then took a bus to Marshall, Missouri on May 20th with the intent to free a girl in the State School there that he had previously met when he was also a patient there. Following his arrival he went to the school's administration building, gave a false name and asked to see the girl. Blodgett was recognized as a former patient and his request to see the girl was denied. A cab was called on Blodgett's behalf. As they awaited the arrival of the cab an employee noticed that Blodgett was carrying a gun in his waistband. School staff members called for Deputy Freeman and when he arrived advised that Blodgett was armed. Deputy Freeman attempted to disarm the Blodgett and a shootout ensued and Deputy Freeman was shot twice, once in the shoulder and once mortally in the abdomen. Deputy Blodgett was able to fire his weapon one time striking Blodgett in the leg. A dentist at the school, Dr. William Trefz, attempted to assist Deputy Freeman and was also shot in the chest. A florist, Charles Jaeckel, was also shot by Blodgett but not critically wounded. A patient disarmed Blodgett who then fled the scene and was later captured in Kansas City.

Deputy Freeman served with the Saline County Sheriff's Department since July 1, 1946. He previously served with the Marshall, MO Police department with several of those years as chief of police. He was survived by his wife of 11 years. Interred: Smithton Cemetery, Smithton, Missouri.