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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Lewis was shot and killed while walking a man to jail at the corner of Fifth and Idaho Streets in Elko.
The man had been arrested at a local cafe after getting into an argument with an acquaintance over who would pay the bill. As Deputy Lewis and the suspect approached the jail, a struggle ensued, and both men fell to the ground. As the suspect stood up, he produced a handgun and opened fire, killing Deputy Lewis.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short time later, hiding in a nearby hotel room. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on April 18, 1925. His sentence was later commuted to life in prison.
Deputy Lewis had served as a constable and deputy in Elko County for over 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, four grandchildren, three sisters, and two brothers.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis gave the Elko County Sheriff's Office 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Elko community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lewis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elko County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1925, 1 officer at Elko County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1925, 1 officer in NV was killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 63. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Elko County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 46.5 and 66.5; the middle age was 56.5. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 23 years.
Charles was 63. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 63. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 63. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 40% of these deaths at Elko County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Mondays: 40%.
March holds 11% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Mondays: 11%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Elko County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.2% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Elko County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Elko County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
