Chief of Police Zebulon Winters

Chief of Police Zebulon Winters

Elk Park Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Thursday, August 5, 1920

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Zebulon Winters

Chief of Police Zeb Winters was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for being drunk in public.

The man had come into town and sent word to Chief Winters that he was in town and drunk. Chief Winters arrested him but was attacked while taking him to jail. The man gained control of Chief Winters' .44 caliber revolver and shot him several times before beating him with the pistol.

The subject was arrested and charged with murder. The trial was held in Boone, North Carolina, and was found guilty.

Chief Winters had only served with the Elk Park Police Department for six months. He was survived by his wife, three children, mother, and six brothers. Close to 12 men who were descendants of Chief Winters served in law enforcement in Avery County, North Carolina, and Carter County, Tennessee in the decades after his murder.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 6 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Convicted of murder

DIP

Most Recent Reflection

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Zeb Winter was my Great Grandfather. His son Woodrow F Winters was my grandfather. His correct name was William Zebede Winters. The man that shot him was Charlie Oaks and was tried and convicted for his murder.

Lea Ann Frank-Kloepping
Great granddaughter of Zeb Winters

May 12, 2022

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