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Incident
Chief of Police Carl Nelson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained three days earlier while he and two other officers attempted to apprehend four men at the Kilby Rooming House. The men were wanted for robbing a pool hall the previous evening. The suspects opened fire as the officers approached, striking Chief Nelson. Despite being wounded, Chief Nelson was able to return fire and killed the suspect. A special train was dispatched to take Chief Nelson to St. Paul, Minnesota, for treatment. He remained in the hospital in St. Paul until dying three days later. Chief Nelson had served with the Carrington Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
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 gave the Carrington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carrington 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
Carl is the only officer of Carrington Police Department remembered here.
Carl is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Carl is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Carl 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 1915, 1 officer in ND was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 32 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Carl was 26. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Carl had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Carl was 26. 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. Carl had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Carl was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Carl had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 5.1% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Wednesdays: 23.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Carrington Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.8% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Carrington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.