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Incident
Merchant Policeman Alexander Ross was shot and killed while escorting a prisoner to the police station. He had arrested the man after observing him and another man steal gas from a filling station. He was able to catch one of the men, but the other escaped.
As he walked the man to the police station, the 24-year-old man produced a handgun and shot Policeman Ross in the stomach. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Other Missoula officers shot and killed the suspect.
Policeman Ross had served with the agency for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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.
Merchant Policeman Ross gave the Missoula Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Missoula community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Merchant Policeman Ross.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Missoula Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Alexander is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Alexander is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alexander 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 1931, 2 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alexander was 60. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Alexander had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Alexander was 60. 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. Alexander had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alexander was 60. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Alexander had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Tuesdays: 16.1%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Missoula Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.6% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Missoula Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Alexander among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Missoula Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
