Deputy Sheriff Will Ward

Deputy Sheriff Will Ward

San Diego County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Monday, November 27, 1899

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Will Ward

Deputy Sheriff Will Ward succumbed to wounds sustained when he was beaten while transporting a prisoner to San Quentin Prison on the steamer Santa Rosa.

Deputy Ward was attacked by the man as the steamer was docked at Port Harford in San Luis Obispo County. The inmate beat him over the head with a heavy water bottle and them jumped overboard in an escape attempt. The man was taken into custody by a Santa Barbara County deputy who was on the ship.

Deputy Ward was taken to the San Luis Obispo County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds 16 days later.

The suspect was convicted of murder and hanged at San Quentin Prison the following year.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Incident Date Saturday, November 11, 1899
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Hanged

escape attempt, transport

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

On this 125th anniversary of your final demise I am here to thank you for your bravery, your service and ultimately your sacrifice. you are not, nor will you be forgotten.
Rest in eternal peace Deputy Ward.

Elizabeth
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

November 26, 2024

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