At least three accounts exist of the following events, one given by the FBI, one by other people in the area, and one by local law enforcement. The accounts agree that Floyd hitched a ride in an East Liverpool neighborhood on October 22, 1934 after obtaining some food at a pool hall owned by his friend Charles Joy. He was spotted by the team of lawmen, at which point he broke from the vehicle and fled towards a tree line. Officer Chester Smith fired first, hitting Floyd in the right arm and knocking him to the ground. At this point, the three accounts diverge; the FBI agents claimed all the credit, denying that local law enforcement were even present at the shooting. According to the local police account, Floyd regained his footing and continued to run, at which point the entire team opened fire, knocking him to the ground. Floyd died from his wounds shortly after.