Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Washington
End of Watch: Friday, October 6, 1978
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 201
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 6, 1978
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Eight suspects convicted of murder
Deputy Sheriff Moran was shot and killed while attempting to protect a woman during a shootout with bank robbery suspects.
The woman had come out of her house during the shootout to see what was going on. As she advanced towards Deputy Moran he attempted to warn her to go back into her home but she did not understand what he was saying. As she continued to walk towards Deputy Moran he left his cover to try to protect the woman. As he stood up he was struck by gunfire and killed instantly.
Eight suspects were apprehended and charged with robbery and first-degree murder. Seven were convicted of first-degree murder and robbery. The eighth was convicted of second-degree murder. Only one remains in prison. The others have been released.
Deputy Moran was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for 2-1/2 years.