Officer Niederschulte was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a house on Second Street to investigate reports of shots being fired. The suspect had become upset because another man had become friendly with his wife. When he was unable to find the man he began taking shots at other citizens. As the officers searched for the suspect Officer Niederschulte and another officer entered the backyard. The suspect opened fire, narrowly missing the second officer, but striking Officer Niederschulte in the back, fatally wounding him. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Niederschulte had been with the agency for 15 years. He was survived by his wife, Ida, his father and six siblings. Interred: New St Marcus Cemetery, Affton, MO.