Incident
City Marshal Gus Crouch was shot and killed in a saloon by two desperados from Kentucky.
Marshal Crouch and his deputy were called at about 3:30 pm to Daniel's Saloon on the riverfront where the two suspects were causing a disturbance. A desperate fight followed, in which Marshal Crouch was killed and his deputy was wounded.
The Massac County sheriff promptly arrested and jailed both suspects. It was later discovered that one of the suspects formerly ran a saloon in Metropolis and held an old grudge against Marshal Crouch.
Marshal Crouch had served as the Metropolis city marshal for three successive terms.
Survivors
He was survived by his second wife, three children by his first wife, and his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F138601F- 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.
City Marshal Crouch served with the Metropolis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Metropolis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Crouch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal Gus H. Crouch 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Metropolis Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gus H. Crouch's cause is highlighted.
How Gus H. Crouch Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gus H. Crouch is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gus H. Crouch was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Metropolis Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
