Archives: Fallen Officers

Henry J. Ronsse

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Deputy Henry Ronsse was assigned to the Glendale area of Los Angeles County when he was murdered. Special Deputy Ronsse, 35 years of age, was the manager of the La Crescenta Water Company and a “Special Deputy” whose actions led to his own death. John Allen, an informant, led police to an illegal and apparently popular still. Allen’s home was set afire after the still was shut down. Fearing for his life, Allen sought help from Deputy District Attorney Burke who helped Allen get a gun permit and then loaned him a weapon. Allen worked at the parking lot of the La Crescenta Lodge. He was talking to Burke, a guest there, when Deputy Ronsse drove up at 2:00 a.m. accompanied by a 16-year-old girl. Deputy Ronsse cursed Allen, circled around the car and made a move that frightened him. Allen drew his gun and fired. The girl claimed Ronsse never spoke and that Allen laughed after shooting him but Burke disagreed, saying that not only was Allen’s testimony true, Ronsse had liquor in his car. An inquest failed to determine if the killing was justified, but public sentiment was such that Deputy District Attorney McClelland filed murder charges.

Theodore Crossley

Deputy Henry Nelson was employed with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department fourteen and a half years. He was hired on January 7, 1907, and worked out of Riverside. Deputy Nelson’s law enforcement career was with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department and he did not work with any other law enforcement agencies.

On September 22, 1921, Deputy Nelson and Deputy Theodore Crossley went to investigate a charge of hay theft in Bellville (a settlement north of Riverside). When they arrived at the scene, one suspect began shooting at the deputies. Both deputies were killed. Two suspects were later captured.

Deputy Theodore Crossley was the owner of a car dealership, which was located at the corner of Eleventh and Main Streets. He was deputized by Sheriff F. P.Wilson when he was elected.

Deputy Nelson was survived by his wife and three children. He was also survived by his mother and three brothers. Deputy Nelson was born in Andover, Illinois.

Henry Frederick Nelson

Deputy Henry Nelson was employed with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department fourteen and a half years. He was hired on January 7, 1907, and worked out of Riverside. Deputy Nelson’s law enforcement career was with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department and he did not work with any other law enforcement agencies.

On September 22, 1921, Deputy Nelson and Deputy Theodore Crossley went to investigate a charge of hay theft in Bellville (a settlement north of Riverside). When they arrived at the scene, one suspect began shooting at the deputies. Both deputies were killed. Two suspects were later captured.

Deputy Theodore Crossley was the owner of a car dealership, which was located at the corner of Eleventh and Main Streets. He was deputized by Sheriff F. P.Wilson when he was elected.

Deputy Nelson was survived by his wife and three children. He was also survived by his mother and three brothers. Deputy Nelson was born in Andover, Illinois.