Vincennes Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 18, 1961
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 18, 1961
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Sergeant Orrel Manuel was shot and killed while investigating a hit-and-run incident. The suspect in the shooting was also a police officer who was off duty and intoxicated when he pulled his gun and fired at officers. A single shot struck Sergeant Manual, killing him, but the bullet passed through his body and struck another officer, critically injuring him.
The off duty officer, charged with murder, said the shooting was an accident. He was tried and acquitted on June 16, 1961. The other officer recovered.
Sergeant Manuel had served with the Vincennes Police Department for five years.