Chesnee Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch Friday, June 9, 1967
Add to My HeroesJoe Cletus Wall
Chief Joe Wall was shot and killed by a drunk male he had just arrested.
Chief Wall was called to Watson's Furniture Store to make a routine arrest. A 45-year-old man was intoxicated and was making a disturbance. The chief had taken him into custody and placed him in the back seat of his patrol car. After he got in to drive, the man reached over the seat, got the chief's gun, and shot him once in the head. The mayor, who happened to be near the altercation, took the prisoner into custody.
Chief Wall had killed the man's brother the year before during an arrest. A coroner's jury had ruled the shooting was justified. Four days before this incident, the Chesnee town council had voted to install a barrier between the front and back seat of the patrol car.
The suspect was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief Wall had served on the Chesnee police force for almost 20 years. He was due to retire July 1. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 68
- Tour 19 years, 11 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Life in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsIt’s been 53 years today, a day I will never forget.
My dad Holland Owens worked with you.
You both are gone but will never be forgotten.
Thank you both, two great Chiefs for your service.
June 9, 2020
Fran Steadman
Daughter of Holland Owens
June 9, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Tim Unwin
Springfield Township Police Department, OH
EOW: March 31, 2023

Police Officer Garrett Crumby
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: March 28, 2023

Corporal Scotty Canezaro
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

Sergeant David Poirrier
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy McCain
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023

Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023