Night Officer Albert Nettle

Night Officer Albert Nettle

Tempe Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, May 19, 1919

Add to My Heroes

Albert Nettle

Night Officer Albert Nettle succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot during an escape attempt from the city jail, located in the old City Hall.

The city marshal was returning four prisoners to their cells after supper when one of the men objected to being separated. He and the marshal began to struggle, at which time the marshal's gun fell from its holster. As one of the prisoners picked it up Officer Nettle entered the room and grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms down.

As Officer Nettled held onto the man another prisoner approached him from behind, grabbed his gun from its holster, and opened fire. The first round struck the prisoner Officer Nettle was holding, killing him instantly. The man then shot Officer Nettle in the back as he bent over, with the round exiting his neck. The man then fled the scene but was arrested a short time later.

Officer Nettle never regained consciousness before dying on May 19th, 1919.

The prisoner who murdered Officer Nettle was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter.

Officer Nettle was survived by his mother, five brothers, and two sisters.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, May 17, 1919
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to 10 years

escape

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Officer Nettle,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tempe.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 19, 2019

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.