Town Marshal Clarence M. Kistner, Shelburn Police Department, Indiana

Town Marshal Clarence M. Kistner

Shelburn Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Sunday, February 11, 1979

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Clarence M. Kistner

Marshal Clarence Kistner was shot and killed with his own weapon during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 41 in Farmersburg at 11:45 p.m.

Marshal Kistner and three other officers stopped a vehicle for suspected drunk driving. While attempting to arrest the subject, a struggle ensued, and the suspect gained control of Marshal Kistner's gun. When the gun discharged, Marshal Kistner was struck in the head. He was transported to Mary Sherman Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:20 a.m.

The suspect was then taken into custody by another officer at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was also arrested for public intoxication. The shooter was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Marshal Kistner was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Shelburn Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his two daughters.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, February 10, 1979
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to 20 years

Impaired Driver, traffic stop

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This is my great uncle, Uncle Clarence was like John Wayne to me when I was a boy. He was bigger than life, one of the great ones. I have very vivid memories of him, I trade what ever I could find for a ride on one of his motorcycles. I have and never will forget you.

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Great Nephew

February 21, 2025