Jailer Ernest Runke, Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Washington

Jailer Ernest Runke

Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Washington

End of Watch Thursday, September 19, 1957

Ernest Runke

Jailer Runke succumbed to injuries received two months earlier when he was attacked in the Lewis County Jail. He was passing out dinner when three inmates assaulted him with a broom handle and hot coffee. He remained hospitalized for two months until his death.

The 18 year-old suspects were convicted of escape, assault, two counts of burglary and grand larceny and sentenced to 80 years in prison. When Jailer Runke died they were each charged with manslaughter.

Bio

Age 70
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Incident Date Saturday, July 27, 1957
Weapon Blunt object
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Jailer Runke, as a lifetime resident of Lewis County I want to thank you for serving our County so many years ago. You died one year before I was born but it would have been an honor to have known you. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Mike McAllister
LCFD

September 19, 2017