Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Charles Jones was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was drunk and fired several shots at his wife.
The man had learned that his estranged wife had returned to Pocahontas and was at a house of ill repute. When he located her at the home, he fired several shots at her. Policeman Jones began to struggle with the subject and was shot in the neck.
After shooting Policeman Jones, the suspect fled to a nearby mine where he remained holed up for three days. He surrendered and was placed in the Tazewell County Jail. He was convicted of Policeman Jones' murder and sentenced to death. He then escaped from the Tazewell County Jail in February 1892 and fled to Kentucky. He again hid in a mine for several days before being recaptured. After being taken back into custody, he was taken to the jail in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he remained until his execution date. He was returned to Tazewell County and executed by hanging on September 9, 1892.
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BO-US-VA-E5318B9C- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Jones served with the Pocahontas Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pocahontas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Charles H. Jones is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pocahontas Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles H. Jones's cause is highlighted.
How Charles H. Jones Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1892
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles H. Jones is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles H. Jones was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pocahontas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
