Gardiner Police Department, Maine
End of Watch: Saturday, January 1, 1966
Age: 59
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: January 1, 1966
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Convicted of simple assault
Lieutenant Ralph Chase was assaulted while making an arrest in a domestic situation at a local club. He was caught from behind, bear-hugged and kneed in the abdomen, which result in a massive pulmonary hemorrhage, from which he died.
Despite being assaulted by several suspects, only one person was charged in connection with the incident. The suspect was convicted of simple assault.
Lieutenant Chase was a Maine National Guard veteran and had served with the Gardiner Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.