Prev
Incident
Sheriff Nugent was shot and killed by a shop owner while staking out the shop after a recent string of burglaries. The shop owner had requested that the Sheriff watch the store but did not know he was coming that night. The owner heard sounds near the wood pile and as he left at 0130 hours Sheriff Nugent turned on his flashlight and ordered the owner to put his hands up. Thinking it was a burglar, the owner opened fire with his shotgun, striking Sheriff Nugent in the chest. A deputy returned fire before going to get help. When the deputy returned he arrested the owner. The man was never charged and the shooting was ruled an accident.
Survivors
Sheriff Nugent had been with the agency for 20 years and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpn26tnva55pe12p7e98- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Nugent gave the Wright County Sheriff's Office 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Nugent.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wright County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 11 officers in MN were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 47. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 47. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13.9% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Saturdays: 18.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Wright County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Wright County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Wright County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
