Deputy Sheriff Arnold William Wilkerson

Deputy Sheriff Arnold William Wilkerson

Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, January 10, 1984

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Arnold William Wilkerson

Deputy Sheriff Arnie Wilkerson was shot and killed while acting as a bailiff at the Orange County Courthouse.

A suspect had gone to the courthouse with the intention of shooting a police officer who had given him a traffic ticket. The suspect entered a courtroom and exchanged gunfire with Deputy Sheriff Harry Dalton, mortally wounding him. He then shot and killed Deputy Arnold Wilkerson in the courtroom and shot at the judge but missed.

After exiting the courtroom, he exchanged shots with another deputy in the hallway. Corrections Officer Mark Parker, who was unarmed, was caught in the crossfire while attempting to shield citizens in the hallway. He was left paralyzed from the chest down and required round-the-clock care for the remainder of his life until succumbing to his wounds on March 19th, 2009.

The suspect was convicted of murder and executed in June of 2000. Officer Parker attended the execution.

Deputy Wilkerson was a U.S. Navy WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran and served with the Orange County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 60
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 2000

attending court, retaliation

Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Wilkerson,
Even though it’s been over 40 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy from 1942-1969 which means you served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 10, 2024

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