Chief of Police Opal Hughes was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant.

   A bench warrant for contempt of court had been issued when the 24-year-old man had failed to appear regarding unpaid attorney's fees relating to a recent divorce. When Chief Hughes arrived at the subject's home, he was shot after a brief struggle and his body was hidden on the property.

   The suspect, who initially fled the scene, was found the following morning on the second floor of his residence where he had been operating a still. As he came out from under a bed, an Anderson patrolman shot and killed the suspect.

   Chief of Police Hughes had previously served as a deputy with the Madison County Sheriff's Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, three sisters and parents.

Military Service United States Navy World War I

Historical Note • Chief Hughes is one of ten chiefs of police with line of duty deaths in Indiana.