Nevada Division of Investigation and Narcotics, Nevada
End of Watch Tuesday, March 13, 1979
Add to My HeroesRonald P. Chelius
Agent Ronald Chelius was shot and killed in Sacramento, California while participating in an undercover drug purchase.
An investigation into a Carson City drug ring led agents to a supplier in Sacramento. Agent Chelius had arranged to purchase a large amount of mescaline from two juvenile suspects. After the purchase Agent Chelius identified himself and told them, they were both under arrest. One of the suspects produced a small handgun and shot him in the chest, killing him. The suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended by other agents who were observing the operation.
The subject who murdered Agent Chelius was paroled on September 16, 2014.
Agent Chelius was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Nevada Division of Investigation and Narcotics for six years and had previously served with the Carson City Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location California
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Paroled in 2014
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsRon
On behalf of my former agency (Washoe County Sheriff's Office-Reno), I just wanted to thank you for your dedicated and outstanding contributions to law enforcement. I knew some of the investigators you worked with and they are all great people, as were you. Thank you for your sacrifice and service to the citizens of this great State. I still see your picture at the academy when I go there to teach classes. You are not forgotten.
Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret.)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS
March 13, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

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

Correctional Officer Jay Miller
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: February 11, 2023

Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: February 19, 2023

Sergeant Christopher D. Fitzgerald
Temple University Police Department, PA
EOW: February 18, 2023

Police Officer Geoffrey Redd
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: February 18, 2023