California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Friday, May 27, 1955
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 27, 1955
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Officer James Maroney was shot and killed while assisting Modoc County deputies arrest an ex-convict.
Two days earlier the suspect had been released from the Oregon State Penitentiary where he had served a sentence for rape. When his victim reported that he was at her home, Officer Maroney responded there with deputies. As officers approached, the suspect opened fire with a rifle. Officer Maroney ducked behind a power pole, but was hit by a bullet that went through the pole, killing him instantly. The suspect then shot and killed himself.
Officer Maroney was survived by his wife and three children.