Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Chuck Ashton was shot and killed after stopping the driver of a vehicle for traveling the wrong way on I-90. He requested backup from the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office before approaching the vehicle. Immediately when he approached the suspect's window, the man pointed a .30-.30 rifle at him and opened fire. The round struck Patrolman Ashton in the neck, just above his vest, as he attempted to push the barrel of the gun away. The responding deputy located Patrolman Ashton in front of his patrol car. Neighboring agencies were notified and initiated a massive manhunt. The suspect was located the following morning after a vehicle pursuit in Kootenai County. The man was convicted of Patrolman Ashton's murder and sentenced to death, however, the sentence was overturned by a Supreme Court ruling and he received 25 years in prison. Patrolman Ashton had served with the Osburn Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ID-A05CE227- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Ashton served with the Osburn Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Osburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ashton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Earl Charles "Chuck" Ashton 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 ID, 44 of 71 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62% of this state's fallen. That is 7.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Earl Charles "Chuck" Ashton's cause is highlighted.
How Earl Charles "Chuck" Ashton Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 25 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Earl Charles "Chuck" Ashton is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Earl Charles "Chuck" Ashton was killed by rifle; .30-.30.