Deputy Sheriff John Albert "Jack" Rickers

John Albert "Jack" Rickers

Deputy Sheriff Jack Rickers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had been firing a handgun inside a tavern in Tuolomne City.

He was shot several times after encountering the man in an alley behind the post office at 9:30 p.m. A constable who witnessed the shooting saw the man leave the scene and go into his cabin. The constable notified the sheriff and a posse was formed. The posse tossed tear gas into the cabin, forcing the subject to surrender. He was taken into custody and charged with murder.

Deputy Rickers held a dual commission as a deputy sheriff and a constable.