Officer Ferris was a Highway Motorcycle Patrolman whose assignment was near Dick Tracy's city.
In October 1947, Officer Ferris attempted to stop a speeding car which contained Mumbles and his gang. Mumbles had two of his henchmen toss a large heavy seat cushion from the car, which Officer Ferris' motorcycle struck at a high speed. Ferris lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He did not survive.
Dick Tracy was unable to gather enough evidence to charge the gang with the officer's murder, though he did arrest three members on robbery charges. Mumbles escaped and led Tracy on a long chase.