Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Anderson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained 25 years on March 5, 1969, at the Woodland Park Hospital in Portland.
Two deputies were transporting a man to the hospital after not being able to calm him down during a disturbance call. As soon as they arrived at the Woodland Park Hospital, the man reached over the back seat of the patrol car, grabbed a gun, and shot Deputy Anderson and another deputy. While the man's friend was attempting to take the gun away and subdue the man, he was also struck. The subject was apprehended and placed under arrest.
The suspect was found innocent by reason of insanity and was committed to the Oregon State Hospital.
The wound caused Deputy Anderson to become paralyzed. He died from complications of the wound on December 1, 1994.
Deputy Anderson had served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his father, sister, and caregiver.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-891CB8C3- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Anderson served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Anderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Robert Ray Anderson 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 OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 90% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Ray Anderson's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Ray Anderson Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Ray Anderson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Ray Anderson was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
