Deputy Sheriff Frank Bateman

Frank Bateman

Deputy Sheriff Frank Bateman was shot and killed while attempting to serve a drunk and disorderly warrant on a man in Bel Air, Maryland.

The Bel Air town bailiff had sworn out the warrant and requested assistance from Deputy Bateman. As the two made their way to the man's home, they encountered another wanted man, who was then taken into custody by the town bailiff.

Deputy Bateman continued to the original suspect's home alone. When he arrived, the suspect refused to come to the door. Because of the suspect's actions, Deputy Bateman sent a neighborhood boy to look for the town bailiff, and he then read the warrant to the man through the closed door. Moments later, the suspect opened the door and immediately opened fire with a .44 caliber handgun, striking Deputy Bateman in the leg and abdomen. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Bateman returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect.

Deputy Bateman had served with the Harford County Sheriff's Office for several years, and simultaneously served as constable of the county's Third District. He was a veteran of the Spanish American War. His burial took place in Rock Spring Cemetery.