Wise County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, July 25, 1920
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 25, 1920
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Policeman Mel Wilson was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest two men who had fired a gun and were drinking in Esserville at approximately 8:00 pm.
As he attempted to take the two men into custody one of them opened fire, killing him. One of the men was apprehended at the scene but the other one was able to escape.
Policeman Wilson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Philippine–American War. He was survived by his wife and six children.