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Incident
Officer Ralph Pogue was shot and killed while he and another officer served a search warrant at a home in Bloomington. The owner of the home was suspected of illegally selling liquor.
When the officers arrived and started reading the warrant, the suspect grabbed it out of the officer's hand, ran to a back room, and grabbed a handgun. As the other officer struggled with the man, Officer Pogue approached to assist but was shot in the stomach. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries the following day.
After firing the shot, the suspect surrendered to the other officer. As he was being transported to city hall, he attempted to escape but was shot in the leg and subdued with the use of clubs when he continued to struggle. He was convicted of manslaughter after claiming the shot was fired accidentally.
On August 23, 1935, the same suspect shot and wounded an Indiana State Excise Police officer as he and other officers attempted to serve a warrant during a liquor raid at the suspect's residence in Bloomington.
Officer Pogue had served with the Bloomington Police Department for only three weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and five 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.
Police Officer Pogue served with the Bloomington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bloomington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Pogue.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bloomington Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Ralph is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph 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 1928, 8 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ralph was 21. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Ralph was 21. 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. Ralph had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 17.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Bloomington Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.6% 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; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Bloomington Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Ralph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bloomington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
