End of Watch: 09/29/1932
Agency: U.S. Bureau of A.T.F.
County: Clark County
Special Agent Ballard Turner and Special Agent Ernest Vlasich were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a moonshiner in Vancouver, Washington. The two agents had gone to the man’s home and purchased two gallons of moonshine whiskey and then immediately attempted to place the suspect under arrest. The man produced a .380 caliber handgun and opened fire, killing Agent Turner instantly and mortally wounding Agent Vlasich, who died just over two weeks later. The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to life at Walla Walla State Prison.
Special Agent Turner is survived by his wife and two daughters.