Charles William Giles, a 52-year-old male, tragically died on December 2, 1966, in Ironton, Ohio. He was a dedicated officer with the Ironton Police Department and a military veteran. His death was the result of complications from a gunshot wound sustained during an escape attempt from the Lawrence County Jail.
On that fateful day, a prisoner managed to obtain control of a deputy's gun and took three deputies hostage.
The situation escalated as the prisoner forced the deputies to release three other prisoners and hand over several weapons. Chief of Police Walter Markel and Patrolman Giles responded to the incident. Chief Markel entered the jail and engaged in a shootout with the suspects. During the exchange of gunfire, Chief Markel was fatally shot, and Patrolman Giles was also wounded. As Patrolman Giles raised his hands to surrender, he was shot again, which paralyzed him from the waist down.
Despite the immediate medical attention he received, Patrolman Giles succumbed to his injuries several months later. The incident led to the death of Chief Markel and the capture of the suspects involved in the jailbreak. The suspects were taken into custody, and the case was thoroughly investigated by local authorities. The investigation revealed that the suspects had planned the jailbreak meticulously, and their actions resulted in the tragic loss of Patrolman Giles and Chief Markel.
Patrolman Giles was survived by his wife and six children, who deeply mourned his loss. His dedication and ultimate sacrifice were honored by the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and he is remembered as a hero who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
The incident at the Lawrence County Jail remains a somber reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to protect the community.
