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Incident
Sheriff Jacob Bell was shot and killed while attempting to arrest an escapee from the Massillon State Hospital. He and a deputy arrived at a home to take the suspect into custody, but the man began to run. Sheriff Bell chased after him and was about to catch him when the man suddenly turned and shot the sheriff in the chest with a 16-gauge shotgun at a distance of fewer than three feet. Sheriff Bell was able to walk into the residence but died within an hour. The suspect was located by a posse and shot and killed. Sheriff Bell had served with the Holmes County Sheriff's Department for almost four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Sheriff Bell gave the Holmes County Sheriff's Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Holmesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Bell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jacob is the only officer of Holmes County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Jacob is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Jacob is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jacob 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 1909, 3 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jacob was 49. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jacob had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Jacob was 49. 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. Jacob had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jacob was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jacob had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Thursdays: 15.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Holmes County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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