Chief of Police John Raymond Nelson

John Raymond Nelson

Chief of Police John Nelson succumbed to gunshot wounds received six days earlier while investigating the theft of cases of shoes from a boxcar at the Winnemucca railroad yard.

After locating the suspects, Chief Nelson observed a transaction involving the stolen shoes. When he attempted to arrest the men, one of them produced a pistol and opened fire, striking Chief Nelson four times. Although mortally wounded, Chief Nelson was able to return fire and kill one of the suspects. The other suspect was apprehended a short time later.

Chief Nelson had been elected Constable only four months prior to the shooting. Shortly after the election, he was appointed as Chief of Police and dually served both offices. He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and ten siblings.