Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Carl Nelson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained three days earlier while he and two other officers attempted to apprehend four men at the Kilby Rooming House. The men were wanted for robbing a pool hall the previous evening. The suspects opened fire as the officers approached, striking Chief Nelson. Despite being wounded, Chief Nelson was able to return fire and killed the suspect. A special train was dispatched to take Chief Nelson to St. Paul, Minnesota, for treatment. He remained in the hospital in St. Paul until dying three days later. Chief Nelson had served with the Carrington Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-263229EB- 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.
Chief of Police Nelson gave the Carrington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carrington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Nelson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Carl G. Nelson 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 ND, 39 of 61 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Carl G. Nelson's cause is highlighted.
How Carl G. Nelson Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Carl G. Nelson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Carl G. Nelson was killed by gun; unknown type.