Deputy Sheriff Thomas C. Tackett
Pike County Sheriff's Department
Kentucky
End of Watch: Monday, December 16, 1929

Biographical Info
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, December 16, 1929
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Arrested

Deputy Thomas Tackett was shot and killed when he and another man investigated a car that was stopped in the middle of a roadway.

Deputy Tackett and his friend were returning to the deputy's home after transporting a prisoner to jail. When they came across the car in the road, they stopped to offer assistance, believing the car was stalled. As the two approached the car, Deputy Tackett's friend observed one of the men inside the vehicle hide something behind his back. Thinking the man had a gun, the friend drew his weapon and ordered the man to show his hands.

As Deputy Tackett approached the car, he identified himself as a deputy and was immediately shot by one of the occupants. Deputy Tackett's friend immediately returned fire as the suspects fled. The three men, including a father and son, were arrested a short time later and charged with murder.

Deputy Tackett was survived by his wife and eight children.