National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Assistant Chief

Memorial Panel: 54-W: 11

Department: Monte Vista, Colorado, P.D.

End of Watch: October 23, 1953

Cause: SHOT

Age: 45

Years of Service: Unk

Description: Assistant Chief O'Neal was shot and killed when he and Officer R. V. Keys responded to a "shots fired" call. As the two officers approached the residence, the occupant shot at them through the glass front door. Assistant Chief O'Neal was hit by one of the shots and was able to run down the sidewalk to the far edge of the lot before falling. Officer Keys ran across the street to another yard before he also fell. The suspect killed four members of his family before committing suicide. Officer Keys survived the shooting.