Deputy Sheriff William Gassaway

Deputy Sheriff William Gassaway

Colbert County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, April 7, 1902

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William Gassaway

Deputy Sheriff William Gassaway, the sheriff, and four other deputies were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect.


Sheriff Charles Gassaway and five Colbert County deputies were shot and killed when the sheriff attempted to arrest a suspect for obtaining goods under false pretenses. The suspect informed the sheriff that he would be ready to go in a moment but arrived at the door with a Winchester rifle. The suspect immediately shot Sheriff Gassaway, who was in the doorway, and the sheriff's brother, Deputy William Gassaway, who was standing a distance away.

The suspect then barricaded himself in the house as other deputies arrived at the scene. Firing from inside the house, the suspect shot and mortally wounded Deputy Bob Wallace, Deputy Pat Prout, Deputy James Payne, and Deputy Jesse Davis.

The suspect was eventually shot and killed after members of the the Alabama state militia, known as the Wheeler Rifles, shot over 1,000 rounds at the suspect. The suspect's body was then thrown into his burning house, that had been set on fire in an attempt to smoke him out.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; Winchester
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt

Most Recent Reflection

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An unimaginable tragedy that these brave men encountered, but on this 120th anniversary of their heroic and untimely death it’s important to note that no passage of time will ever erase their memory, service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 7, 2022

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