Deputy Sheriff Joseph Runions

Joseph Runions

Deputy Sheriff Joe Runions succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while searching for stolen property on a farm.

A representative from a bank that owned the stolen storm shudders had gone to the farm owned by the suspect. While searching a granary, the suspect ordered them out and then opened fire with a .410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Runions in the face and the other man in the shoulder. The two men then attempted to take cover.

The suspect then obtained a .22 caliber rifle and shot the other man in the head as he ran from the granary, killing him. Deputy Runions took cover as the suspect continued firing and was not struck again. The suspect was arrested a short time later.

Deputy Runions was taken to a hospital in Bismarck, where he died of his wounds the following day.

The 61-year-old suspect was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on May 10, 1955.

Deputy Runions was a United States Army World War I veteran. He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter.