Officer Memorials

Probation Officer Donald R. (Charlie) Knepple

Allen County Adult Probation Department

Probation Officer Donald R. (Charlie) Knepple

Allen County Adult Probation Department
End of Watch: Monday, April 28, 1997

Biographical Info
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, April 28, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Committed suicide

Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a convicted child molester.

The suspect, who had not been following his probation requirements, had arranged a meeting with his counselor and Probation Officer Knepple with the intent of murdering them both. As the meeting took place, the suspect shot both of them before he fled the residence and committed suicide. At the time of the shooting, Probation Officer Knepple, like other officers in his department were not armed.

Probation Officer Knepple had served with the Allen County Adult Probation Department for 12 years. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and an Air National Guard reservist. Probation Officer Knepple was survived by his wife, son and daughter.