Connecticut State Police, Connecticut
End of Watch Friday, April 6, 1928
Add to My HeroesIrving H. Nelson
Trooper Irving Nelson was shot and killed while chasing two armed robbery suspects near Pomfret, Connecticut. He was responding on his police motorcycle from Station 5 to assist other officers. Trooper Nelson located the car and initiated a pursuit.
During the pursuit the suspects opened fire on him, striking him twice. Trooper Nelson was able to stop his motorcycle before collapsing and succumbing to the gunshot wounds.
Both suspects were members of a gang which had perpetrated a series of robberies in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and were escaping from police of that city at the time Trooper Nelson tried to halt them. Both suspects were arrested six days later and charged with first-degree murder. They were each found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
On January 4, 1930, one of the suspects along with two other men escaped from the Connecticut State Prison. On January 19, 1930, they shot and killed Officer Willie D. Smith of the Jacksonville, Florida, Police Department and seriously wounded another officer as they attempted to question them. All three men were apprehended a few days later in Florida.
Trooper Irving was a US Army veteran of WWI. He was survived by his expectant wife.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsTrooper Irving, it has been 95 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
April 6, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024