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Acting Chief of Police Roy Clay Knotts | Logan Police Department, West Virginia
Logan Police Department, West Virginia

Acting Chief of Police

Roy Clay Knotts

Logan Police Department, West Virginia

End of Watch: Wednesday, December 3, 1930

Biographical Info

Age: 38
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 3, 1930
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Deceased

Acting Chief of Police Roy Knotts was shot in the back while serving warrants for the arrest of slot machine owners. As he entered an establishment to purchase cigarettes, the subject approached and shot Chief Knotts five times in the back.

The prior Chief of Police had recently resigned, fearing for his life after the Logan City Council ordered the arrest anybody operating a slot machine. Arrest warrants were found in Chief Knotts' pocket after his murder.

The subject was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Chief Knotts had previously served as the commander of the West Virginia State Police detachment in Logan.