Federal Prohibition Agent Joseph William (Joe) Floyd
United States Department of the Treasury - Prohibition Service
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 17, 1922

Biographical Info
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 6 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, May 17, 1922
Incident Location: Texas
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: conviction reversed

Federal Prohibition Agents Floyd and Edwards had gotten information that a truck load of whisky was expected to be delivered at the premises in Houston that morning. The officers arrested a man leaving the house and found 12 quarts of whiskey. They obtained a search and returned to the house. They attempted to arrest the owner, Leon Briggs, as he tried to drive away, but Briggs resisted arrest and fled back into the house. Agent Edwards kicked in the front door and entered the house, and Agent Floyd went to the back. Agent Edwards heard a shot fired at the rear of the premises and saw Briggs rushing through the back of the house. Briggs fired at Agent Edwards who returned the fire. Briggs was later arrested while hiding in the ceiling. Agent Edwards found Agent Floyd lying on his face in the runway going into the garage.

Briggs argued self-defense and complained he was assaulted by the officers in his yard and got away from them and ran into the house, and that he shot Agent Floyd when the agent pointed a gun at him. He was convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison. He appealed based on self defense, and his conviction was reversed and remanded. It is unknown whether Briggs was ever retried or convicted for the murder of Agent Floyd.

Agent Floyd was survived by his wife, son and three daughters. He was buried in Madisonville, Madison County, Texas.