Chief of Police Josiah "Joe" Asher

Josiah "Joe" Asher

Chief Joe Asher was shot and killed by the police department's assistant chief during a dispute over a recent arrest. The assistant chief had arrested a man for being drunk in public and had taken him before the police judge.

The judge had released the man on a $20 bond, but the the chief returned the man to the court and insisted he should have not have been arrested on the charge. Chief Asher and the assistant chief then engaged in a heated argument in front of the judge. The assistant chief pulled out his pistol and shot Chief Asher, killing him.

The assistant chief/shooter was tried twice. The first trial ended with a hung jury; the second with an acquittal.

Chief Asher was survived by his wife.