Deputy Sheriff George W. Van Vliet

Deputy Sheriff George W. Van Vliet

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, November 19, 1918

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George W. Van Vliet

Deputy Sheriff George Van Vliet was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a husband and wife who were wanted in connection with the murders of Chief of Detectives John Rowan, of the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado, and Policeman Luther McMahill, of the Denver Police Department, Colorado.

Deputy Van Vliet and his partner were staking out a service station near the U.S. Army's Ross Field, in Arcadia, when the suspects arrived at the scene. When the deputies called on them to surrender the husband opened fire using a pistol concealed in a hidden pocket. The first round struck Deputy Van Vliet, killing him.

The other deputy shot and killed both offenders during a prolonged shootout in which the deputy used every round of ammunition he had. He killed the husband using his last shotgun shell.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, stakeout

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Deputy Van Vliet:
Thanks for your service to the citizens of Los Angeles County. You and your partner obviously faced two dangerous suspects, but you both didn't hesitate to gird up and go to battle. Your partner obviously did a heroic job in dispatching your assailants but I'm sure he regretted not being able to save your life in the process. Anyway thanks for honoring our profession and sacrificing your life for the good of all law abiding citizens of this great nation.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv) and NVDPS

November 19, 2020

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