Benjamin S Rust

Narrative

Patrolman Ben Rust was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a wanted man on Newburg Road.

He and two (2) other patrolmen went to the home of a suspect who was wanted for stealing mules. After arriving, Patrolman Rust and a second patrolman went to the back of the home, while the other patrolman went to the front.

Patrolman Rust and the second patrolman entered the house and were met by a female, who told them that no one else was home. Patrolman Rust searched the second floor of the house and found it to be empty. He then began searching the first floor with the other patrolman. They found a room door locked and forced it open. The suspect, who was hiding in the room, pushed the door shut, but Patrolman Rust was able to force it open again.

As he began to enter the room, the suspect opened fire, striking Patrolman Rust in the chest. The shot knocked Patrolman Rust back into the second patrolman. The suspect fired again, this time hitting Patrolman Rust in the head, killing him. The suspect continued to fire, wounding the second patrolman.

Upon hearing the shots, the third patrolman, who was stationed outside, ran into the house. He shot and wounded the suspect, then struck him in the face with a club, knocking him unconscious and breaking his jaw.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with murder.

Patrolman Rust had served with the department for 22 years. He is survived by his mother and two (2) sisters.