Chief of Police Thomas L. Guess, aged 48, tragically died on May 16, 1907, in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. He was shot and killed by a former police chief who had been arrested for public drunkenness. A citizen had helped subdue the suspect, who was taken to a cell at the city police department. As Chief Guess attempted to search the prisoner, the man produced a revolver hidden in his sleeve and shot him once in the head, killing him instantly.
The suspect then attempted to flee the scene
but was captured after being shot through the shoulder by a citizen. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on June 26, 1907. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment on January 20, 1909, and he was eventually paroled on September 23, 1921. Chief Guess had served as police chief for only seven months before his untimely death.
Chief Guess was survived by his wife and three children, and he is buried in Fairchance Cemetery, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. His death was a significant event in the history of the Belle Vernon Borough Police Department, and he is remembered for his dedication and sacrifice.
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