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Incident
Patrolman Chuck Ashton was shot and killed after stopping the driver of a vehicle for traveling the wrong way on I-90. He requested backup from the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office before approaching the vehicle. Immediately when he approached the suspect's window, the man pointed a .30-.30 rifle at him and opened fire. The round struck Patrolman Ashton in the neck, just above his vest, as he attempted to push the barrel of the gun away. The responding deputy located Patrolman Ashton in front of his patrol car. Neighboring agencies were notified and initiated a massive manhunt. The suspect was located the following morning after a vehicle pursuit in Kootenai County. The man was convicted of Patrolman Ashton's murder and sentenced to death, however, the sentence was overturned by a Supreme Court ruling and he received 25 years in prison. Patrolman Ashton had served with the Osburn Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and child.
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.
Patrolman Ashton served with the Osburn Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Osburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ashton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Earl is the only officer of Osburn Police Department remembered here.
Earl is one of 45 officers killed feloniously in ID, 62.5% of the 72 remembered there.
Earl is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Earl 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 1976, 1 officer in ID was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1904, with 3.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Earl was 23. Of the 40 killed feloniously in ID whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 48.3; the middle age was 37. Earl had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Earl was 23. 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. Earl had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Earl was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Earl had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in ID; January holds the most, 26.7%. Tuesdays: 8.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Osburn Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 72 deaths in ID, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 22.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Osburn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.