Deputy Sheriff John Nicolas "Nick" Wren, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, California

Deputy Sheriff John Nicolas "Nick" Wren

Tulare County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Friday, July 5, 1889

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John Nicolas "Nick" Wren

Deputy Sheriff Nick Wren was shot and killed as he attempted to serve a domestic warrant a mile east of Visalia at 6:00 p.m.

While en route to the home, Deputy Wren met the subject on the road and attempted to read the warrant. The man refused to hear the warrant and pulled out his gun. When Deputy Wren drew his pistol, he shot the suspect's horse. The man returned fire, striking Deputy Wren in the head. The suspect fled, taking Deputy Wren's horse, pistol, and money.

Deputy Wren succumbed to his wounds two hours later.

Two days later, the suspect was shot and killed at a nearby ranch by a posse member.

Deputy Wren had served with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office for six months. He was survived by his wife, three children, father, and siblings.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

warrant, domestic, arrest attempt

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Deputy John Nicholas Wren was my 1rst cousin, 4x removed. Your family were some of Visalia's earliest pioneers and also the reason my family moved to Visalia in 1970. My mother asked her father, my grandfather, where he'd recommend she move when she wanted to leave the Los Angeles area. He remembered he had cousins here in Visalia and that it was a nice small town. We've been here ever since. Thank you being part of making Visalia such "a nice small town" and for making the ultimate sacrifice of giving your life to keep others safe. RIP cousin.

Melissa Howard

June 10, 2025