Deputy Sheriff Harvey L. Middleton
Berkeley County Sheriff's Department
South Carolina
End of Watch: Sunday, May 11, 1975

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 4 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, May 11, 1975
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 25 years

Deputy Middleton was shot and killed when he and the St. Stephen Police Chief attempted to arrest a man who went on a shooting spree at his mother's home.

The suspect had shot and killed several dogs, chickens, hogs, and was threatening to shoot members of his family. As the officers arrived at the home the suspect pulled a pistol and ran behind a nearby smokehouse. As Deputy Middleton rounded the corner of the building in pursuit, the suspect shot him in his abdomen. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Middleton returned fire, seriously wounding the suspect.

The suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison January 29, 1976. He was paroled March 7, 1984. On April 25, 1990, he was returned to prison for violating his parole.

Deputy Middleton was survived by his wife, a two-year old daughter, and a three-year old son.