Deputy Sheriff Wayne H. Peters, Rush County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

Deputy Sheriff Wayne H. Peters

Rush County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

End of Watch Saturday, May 25, 1968

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Wayne H. Peters

Deputy Sheriff Wayne Peters was shot and killed when he went to the Tower Motel, on Route 44, one mile south of Rushville, at the request of the owner.

Upon entering the motel's office at 7:10 p.m., the owner shot Deputy Peters twice in the chest before he could draw his weapon. The sheriff, who arrived after Deputy Peters, was shot twice. When he returned fire, the suspect fled. Responding officers were able to apprehend the suspect.

The suspect was upset that he had been awakened by Deputy Peters and the FBI when they arrested one of the guests. The man was sentenced to 30 years in prison and has since died.

Deputy Peters was a United States Navy WWII and Korean War veteran and had served with the Rush County Sheriff's Department for six years. He was survived by a wife and two children.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Deceased

ambush

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It’s been over 57 years since Daddy’s murder. I’m reading these remarks for the first time. Thank you for your loving remarks and memories. It’s amazing how many of my friends followed in his law enforcement footsteps. They loved “Big Bad Wayne” for his kindness to them and his example of respect for others. Your remarks fill my heart. Claudia Peters

Claudia Peters, daughter of Wayne

July 29, 2025