Trooper Amos L. "Spud" Helms

Trooper Amos L. "Spud" Helms

Oregon State Police, Oregon

End of Watch Wednesday, December 30, 1931

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Amos L. "Spud" Helms

Trooper Amos Helms succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on October 18th, 1931, in La Grande, Oregon, as he and another trooper approached a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle used in a bank hold-up.

He and the other trooper had been notified of the car, which was parked at a filling station at the corner of Greenwood Street and Adams Street. The occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the officers as they approached it.

Both subjects fled the scene but were captured after a massive search. They were convicted and sentenced to life in imprisonment without possibility of parole for the murder of Trooper Helms. One of the men was granted a conditional pardon in 1942, and the other was paroled in 1950.

Trooper Helms had served with the Oregon State Police for six months.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 6 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Sunday, October 18, 1931
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Convicted of Murder

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Trooper Helms,
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 the state of Oregon.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 30, 2021

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