Trooper Charles Frank Noble, Washington State Patrol, Washington

Trooper Charles Frank Noble

Washington State Patrol, Washington

End of Watch Saturday, February 5, 1972

Add to My Heroes

Charles Frank Noble

Trooper Charles Noble was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding near Zillah, Washington.

Unbeknownst to Trooper Noble, the driver was out of prison on a furlough and had just committed an armed robbery. As Trooper Noble returned to his patrol car, the suspect opened fire with a .357 caliber handgun, striking Trooper Noble in the elbow and knocking him down. The suspect then shot Trooper Noble in the head execution-style. The suspect fled but was turned in by the vehicle's passenger the following morning.

The suspect, 25, serving a sentence for a 1970 car theft, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life on March 3, 1973. On November 8, 1980, he escaped from Walla Walla Prison but was quickly recaptured. He was charged with escape. He was to be released in 2031.

Trooper Noble was a United States Navy Korean War veteran who served with the Washington State Patrol for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Bio

Age 42
Tour 14 years
Badge 382
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

vehicle stop

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 24 Reflections

My children have been without you, their outstanding Grandfather because of a senseless act. I hope you know how proud your son Mark, his children, Matthew, Tyler, Travis, & Callahan. Also your daughter, Laurie, her children, Adam and Eric, are of you and your short life. You have been immortalized through them and your name is carried on proudly. They attend the WSP memorials every year and visit the memorial at the fairs and your grave. You sir, are thought of often and with much respect, talked of often in the family. I wish I could have met you, I gave you the best I could, 4 grandchildren to carry on your beautiful ideals and legacy. My deepest respect always. Cherie (Noble) Sandretzky.

Cherie A Sandretzky
Daughter in Law

April 18, 2022