Deputy U.S. Marshal William C. Watts

Deputy U.S. Marshal William C. Watts

United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Sunday, January 24, 1897

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William C. Watts

Deputy Marshal William Watts was shot and killed on Admiralty Island, Alaska, while attempting to arrest a gang of outlaws who had broken several inmates out of jail in Juneau eight months prior.

He and a posse surrounded the remote cabin the group was in and called out to the suspects to surrender. The gang opened fire on the posse, killing Deputy Marshal Watts and wounding three other deputy marshals. The posse retreated back to the beach and left the island to seek reinforcements.

The suspects were eventually apprehended by U.S. Marines who had been sent to the island at the request of Alaska's governor.

Deputy Marshal Watts had served with the United States Marshals Service for two years. He was the first peace officer to die in the line of duty in the Alaska Territory, later to become the state of Alaska.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Alaska
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Apprehended

Most Recent Reflection

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DUSM Watts,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 24, 2022

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