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Incident
Chief of Police John Nelson succumbed to gunshot wounds received six days earlier while investigating the theft of cases of shoes from a boxcar at the Winnemucca railroad yard.
After locating the suspects, Chief Nelson observed a transaction involving the stolen shoes. When he attempted to arrest the men, one of them produced a pistol and opened fire, striking Chief Nelson four times. Although mortally wounded, Chief Nelson was able to return fire and kill one of the suspects. The other suspect was apprehended a short time later.
Chief Nelson had been elected Constable only four months prior to the shooting. Shortly after the election, he was appointed as Chief of Police and dually served both offices.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and ten siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Nelson served with the Winnemucca Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Winnemucca 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Winnemucca Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 1 officer in NV was killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
John was 28. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 11% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Sundays: 19.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Winnemucca Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
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