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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Pliny Wells was stabbed to death as he and another deputy tried to execute an arrest warrant in Robinson Township.
He and another deputy became separated as they approached the suspect's farm. While approaching the farm Deputy Wells spotted the subject in a cornfield and attempted to arrest him. During the arrest, a scuffle ensued and Deputy Wells was stabbed multiple times in his chest. Deputy Wells' partner managed to arrest the subject and was attempting to walk the prisoner to jail in Pittsburgh when the prisoner attacked him and managed to escape.
It is unknown whether the prisoner was ever recaptured or tried.
Deputy Sheriff Wells was deputized to assist the sheriff's office in the arrest after local constables refused to serve the warrant due to the subject's threats.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
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Tributes
188 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Wells served with the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Pliny is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Pliny is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Pliny is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1838, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1838, 8 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 176th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1838, 15 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 169th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Pliny had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Pliny had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Pliny had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Pliny among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Allegheny County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
