Roll of Honor
Ernest B. Vlasich
Incident
Special Agent Vlasich and Special Agent Ballard Turner were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a moonshiner in Vancouver, Washington. The two agents had gone to the man's home and purchased two gallons of moonshine whiskey and then immediately attempted to place the suspect under arrest. The man produced a .380 caliber handgun and opened fire, killing Agent Turner instantly and mortally wounding Agent Vlasich, who died just over two weeks later. A tip led to the capture of the suspect, 48, at a cabin four miles east of Vancouver. He was sentenced to life at Walla Walla State Prison. He died on September 28, 1958, at Fort Steilacoom Mental Hospital; present day Western State Hospital.
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Vlasich gave the United States Department of Justice 2 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Vlasich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Ernest B. Vlasich 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 DC, 754 of 1,419 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.1% of this state's fallen. That is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Prohibition, 22 of 35 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest B. Vlasich's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest B. Vlasich Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in mental hospital
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest B. Vlasich is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest B. Vlasich was killed by handgun; .380 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
34 officers from United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Prohibition are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
