Deputy Sheriff John Ruggless

Photo of Deputy Sheriff John Ruggless
End of Watch: Mon, Jan 7th, 1878
Date of Incident: Mon, Jan 7th, 1878
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Intentional)
Service Time: Not Known
Age: Not Known

Incident

Deputy Ruggless was shot and killed near Concord, Kentucky, while he and a posse attempted to apprehend one of two brothers who was wanted for stealing horses. The brothers were also part of a larger feud between two families that had left several members of each family dead over several years. When the Sheriff received word that the man had returned to Lewis County he immediately gathered a posse and went in search for him. When he located the man the suspect opened fire, striking Deputy Ruggless in the chest.

The suspect was shot and wounded but was able to escape. He was eventually apprehended but acquitted after the trial was moved to another county. The man was eventually killed as part of the ongoing feud.

Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Agency

Lewis County Sheriff's Department Patch
514 Second Street
Vanceburg, Kentucky 47119
(606) 796-2912

Tributes

There are currently no tributes for Deputy Sheriff John Ruggless.