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Chief of Police Ruben Wallen | St. Charles Police Department, Virginia
St. Charles Police Department, Virginia

Chief of Police

Ruben Wallen

St. Charles Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch: Sunday, August 16, 1936

Biographical Info

Age: 46
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 16, 1936
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 21 years

Chief Wallen was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a coal mine worker for carrying a pistol in town shortly after midnight. The suspect immediately opened fire on Chief Wallen. The chief was struck three times and killed instantly.

Two men who were with the chief took the suspect and his acquaintance into custody at the scene. On October 2, 1936, the gunman was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to 21 years.