Deputy Sheriff William Thomas (Tom) Pendergrass
Owsley County Sheriff's Office
Kentucky
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 10, 1940

Biographical Info
Age: 57
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, July 10, 1940
Weapon Used: Rifle; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Deputy Pendergrass was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for causing a disturbance near New Hope.

The suspect immediately opened fire on Deputy Pendergrass as he stepped from his car, striking him in the chest with a shot from a .22 caliber. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Pendergrass returned fire, fatally striking the suspect.

Deputy Pendergrass attempted to drive himself to seek help but succumbed to the wound approximately two miles away.

Deputy Pendergrass was survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, and two brothers. One of his brothers served as a detective with the Detroit, Michigan, Police Department.