Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Arthur Rutter was shot and killed by a man he was attempting to arrest for writing offensive letters to a woman.
One of the letters suggested that she tie a string on a certain gate post if she desired to meet with him. When the man appeared at the appointed time and place, Marshal Rutter was there to meet him. As Marshal Rutter walked up to him, the suspect drew a revolver and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
It was later discovered that the suspect was a married man who lived in the woman's neighborhood. The suspect fled from his home and remained at large for 28 years. He was arrested in Ironton, Ohio, March 11, 1935.
One of the letters suggested that she tie a string on a certain gate post if she desired to meet with him. When the man appeared at the appointed time and place, Marshal Rutter was there to meet him. As Marshal Rutter walked up to him, the suspect drew a revolver and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Town Marshal Arthur Rutter of the New Boston Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired) Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation April 28th, 2024
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- 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.
Town Marshal Rutter served with the New Boston Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Boston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Rutter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Arthur Rutter 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 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. Arthur Rutter's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur Rutter Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended in 1935
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur Rutter is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur Rutter was killed by handgun; revolver.