Bio & Incident Details
Age: 28
Tour: 4 months
Badge # 3
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 10/8/1959
Weapon: Officer's handgun
Suspect: Convicted of murder
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Officer Ronald Kilby was shot and killed after making a traffic stop of two men who had just committed two burglaries in town. When Officer Kilby Kilby informed the two men they were under arrested when he observed the stolen items in the back of the vehicle. A struggle ensued and the suspects were able to gain control of Officer Kilby's service weapon and held him at gunpoint.
A citizens who was passing by stopped to assist but was attacked by one of the men. The citizen was able to find the man off by striking him in the head with a saw chain. Officer Kilby used the distraction to try to retreat to cover. The suspect with the weapon opened fire, striking him four times.
The suspects fled into Washington state where they were arrested following a massive manhunt. Both were extradited to Oregon where they were convicted of murder.
Officer Kilby had served with the agency for 4 months. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Merit for Valor. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
