Roll of Honor
Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty
Incident
Marshal Artis Chitty was beaten to death during a struggle with a suspect in the Tacoma Federal Building, located at 1102 A Street in Tacoma, Washington. Marshal Chitty was escorting two convicted bank robbery felons who were on trial for attempting to escape from the McNeil Penitentiary from a courtroom. The men attempted to escape and attacked him to gain control of his gun. During the attack, one of the men struck Marshal Chitty in the face, causing a fatal injury. They were unable to reach his revolver before guards arrived and took the subjects into custody. Both men were charged and convicted of murder as a result of his death. Marshal Chitty's killer was sentenced to life. On May 4th, 1946, he and two other inmates were shot and killed during what became known as "The Battle of Alcatraz," which was the result of a failed escape attempt. Correctional Officer Harold P. Stites and Correctional Officer William A. Miller were shot and killed during the incident. Marshal Chitty was a United States Army WWI veteran and had served with the United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service for six years. He had just been reappointed in 1940.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FED-971C33E8- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Artemas. 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
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.
Marshal Chitty gave the United States Department of Justice 6 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Marshal Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty 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 - United States Marshals Service, 251 of 313 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty's cause is highlighted.
How Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Artemas J. "Artis" Chitty was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
312 officers from United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
