Chief of Police James Edward Maloch

James Edward Maloch

Chief Maloch was killed while trying to arrest a bootlegger.

About 8 PM on December 11, 1915, Chief Maloch had an informant buy liquor from a known bootlegger. Afterward, when Chief Maloch and a Noble County Deputy Sheriff started to arrest him, the bootlegger pulled a .38 revolver from his pocket and fired once as he started to run. Chief Maloch returned fire, but slumped to the ground from a shot in the abdomen.

The bootlegger was captured the next day. Chief Maloch died three days later at 2 AM on December 14th. The bootlegger was found guilty of the killing of Chief Maloch and sentenced to life in prison.

Chief Maloch was survived by his wife and five children.