Incident
Patrolman Charles Ross was shot to death with his own service weapon during a scuffle with two 19-year-old youths he was attempting to arrest for public drunkenness on Bissell Avenue and 9th Street in Richmond. Both suspects were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 5 years to life on July 23, 1964. Patrolman Ross was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Richmond Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, son, infant daughter, parents, three bothers, and a sister. One of his brothers served with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, infant daughter, parents, three bothers, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-2EF60BDB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Ross gave the Richmond Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Charles M. Ross served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Charles M. Ross 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Richmond Police Department, 4 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 36.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles M. Ross's cause is highlighted.
How Charles M. Ross Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles M. Ross is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles M. Ross was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Richmond Police Department are honored on badge.nw.







