Chief of Police Watt Gaston Snuggs

Chief of Police Watt Gaston Snuggs

Norwood Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Monday, January 22, 1917

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Watt Gaston Snuggs

Chief Snuggs was shot and killed when he attempted to break up a brawl involving three brothers and several other men in front of the Norwood drug store. While trying to restore order one of the brothers shot him in his right side. After being shot, Chief Snuggs had to wait for a train to take him to the hospital. He succumbed to his wounds en route to the hospital.

Six months earlier the suspect attacked Chief Snuggs with a beer bottle, while resisting arrest, severely wounding the Chief about the head. After his trial, the suspect told people he would get Chief Snuggs if he ever got the chance.

The suspect was eventually arrested, convicted of Chief Snuggs' murder and sent to prison. Months later he escaped from prison by sliding down a storm drain to his freedom. He was never recaptured.

Chief Snuggs was survived by his wife and nine children.

Bio

  • Age 47
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Escaped from prison

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

Great grandfather, on this the 103rd anniversary of your passing, your family honors your bravery and service. You are remembered as a good husband, a good father, and most of all a good man who gave his all.

S SCOTT Smith
Great grandson

January 22, 2020

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