Deputy Sheriff Joseph Elmer Whitworth

Deputy Sheriff Joseph Elmer Whitworth

Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, April 22, 1954

Add to My Heroes

Joseph Elmer Whitworth

Deputy Whitworth was shot and killed during a barricade situation after a suspect fled from another deputy who tried to stop him for speeding.

The 25-year-old suspect fled to his nearby trailer, where he barricaded himself. He opened fire on several deputies when a tear gas bomb was fired through a window. After a three-hour gun battle, Deputy Whitworth was hit in the head with a load of buckshot as he fired another tear gas bomb into the trailer. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder.

At his trial, the suspect said he was in bed asleep when a tear gas bomb came through his window. He said he opened fire because he thought the deputies were criminals trying to kill him and his family. He was acquitted.

Deputy Whitworth had been with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for one year. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 1 year
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Acquitted

barricade

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

He is my Father.....I miss my Dad not being here with us ....Wish I could have grown up with him....Wish I could had known my Dad....I just miss having a Daddy......

Deborah Whitworth
Daughter

July 17, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.