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Chief of Police Ralph Richard Ash | Swea City Police Department, Iowa
Swea City Police Department, Iowa

Chief of Police

Ralph Richard Ash

Swea City Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch: Saturday, August 8, 1981

Biographical Info

Age: 37
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: August 8, 1981
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 5 years

Chief Ash was struck and killed by a vehicle while setting up a roadblock at 0515 hours. A burglary suspect, who had been chased into Iowa by Minnesota authorities, attempted to run the roadblock and crashed into Chief Ash's patrol car, killing him instantly.

The 20-year-old suspect was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 5 years in Anamosa Prison January 25, 1982.