Whigham Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Sunday, April 6, 1980
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 6, 1980
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Chief Milwood Stokes was shot and killed following a high speed chase through town. He and a city councilman were sitting in his patrol car when they observed a truck speed past them. They attempted to stop the truck and chased it until it stopped at a home. As Chief Stokes approached the man opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with bird shot, fatally wounding Chief Stokes. He then shot and wounded the councilman as he ran for help.
The suspect was taken into custody a short time later. He was convicted of murdering Chief Stokes and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief Stokes had served with the agency for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and nine children.