Ross Police Searching For Family Of Chief Slain In 1930s

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — Township police are attempting to locate descendants and family members of a former police chief killed in the line of duty in 1932. Chief Vernon Porter Moses was shot to death at the intersection of Perry Highway and West View Avenue.

"Next year will be the 90th anniversary of Chief Moses' death," a department Facebook post stated. "We are trying to locate relatives of Chief Moses to discuss his remembrance. If you may know of a descendant of Chief Moses, please give us a call at 412-931-9070."

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Moses was killed during a traffic stop of suspected members of the notorious John Maug gang that had been engaged in a series of burglaries, robberies and shootings throughout Allegheny County.

"Chief Moses pulled in front of the robber’s vehicle and exited his patrol car, service pistol and flash light in hand; as he engaged the driver and passengers of the vehicle, the suspects fired two shots at Chief Moses, striking him in the right shoulder and face," the memorial page narrative stated.

"Chief Moses died at the scene as the suspects fled to the 22nd Street Bridge in Pittsburgh where they threw their guns into the Monongahela River."

Three suspects were apprehended and convicted of Moses' murder and received sentences ranging from 40 to 120 years in prison.

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