Police Officer Jesse B. Dills

Police Officer Jesse B. Dills

Paintsville Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, December 21, 1929

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Jesse B. Dills

Officer Jesse Dills was shot and killed by a former county constable who held a grudge against the officer for a previous arrest. Officer Dills had previously arrested the constable for being drunk in public.

Officer Dills was on duty and had gone into a local pool hall on Main Street to get a cup of coffee. As he did so, the suspect and the county jailer, who had been drinking, waited for him to exit. When Officer Dills came out of the pool hall, he observed the two intoxicated men and approached them to arrest them. The former constable immediately opened fire. Officer Dills returned fire, striking the suspect. The county jailer also opened fire on Officer Dills, striking him twice.

Officer Dills died in the street. The former constable was taken to a local hospital where he died that night. The county jailer was charged with Officer Dills' murder but was acquitted after two trials.

Officer Dills was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Officer Dills,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Paintsville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 21, 2019

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