Deputy Sheriff Robert B. Smith

Photo of Deputy Sheriff Robert B. Smith
End of Watch: Wed, Dec 23rd, 1908
Date of Incident: Tue, Dec 22nd, 1908
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Intentional)
Service Time: Not Known
Age: 32

Incident

Deputy Robert Smith and Deputy John Brooks were shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on three men wanted for robbing a miner. He had deputized four men, including John Brooks, to assist with the arrests.

As Deputy Smith read the warrant to the three men one of them produced a handgun and opened fire, striking him in the abdomen. A shootout ensued between the three suspects and five officers in which Deputy Brooks and one of the suspects were killed.

The other two suspects fled the scene but were both quickly arrested. Deputy Smith succumbed to his wounds the following day.

Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Agency

Knox County Sheriff's Office Patch
401 Court Square
Suite 105
Barbourville, Kentucky 40906
(606) 546-3181

Tributes

There are currently no tributes for Deputy Sheriff Robert B. Smith.