Superintendent Harry P. Minto, Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon

Superintendent Harry P. Minto

Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon

End of Watch Tuesday, September 28, 1915

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Harry P. Minto

Superintendent Harry Minto was shot and killed while searching for a prison escapee. The posse encountered the escapee on a road about two miles from Jefferson and immediately exchanged shots with the man. Superintendent Minto was struck in the head and killed.

The suspect had obtained a gun earlier in the evening when the Jefferson marshal attempted to arrest him. The suspect was able to gain control of the marshal's service weapon and shot him, seriously wounding him. The suspect was also shot and killed during the incident.

An accomplice of the suspect later murdered Officer R. G. Warnke, of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Leavenworth, Kansas, on June 20, 1929. He was executed for Officer Warnke's murder.

Superintendent Minto had served as Chief of Police of Salem, Oregon, from 1892 to 1896 and two terms as Sheriff of Marion County. He was appointed Superintendent in 1914. He was survived by his wife, sister, and two brothers, and cremated in Portland, Oregon.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 23 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Executed

escape attempt

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Supt. Minto,
On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 28, 2025