Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch: Friday, May 26, 1978
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: 117
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 26, 1978
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Both shot and killed
Trooper Billy Young, Trooper Houston Summers, and Lieutenant James Grimes were shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two escapees who were wanted for seven murders since their escape.
Troopers Young and Summers were shot and killed while on a roving patrol of a county road when they came across the suspects in a recently stolen truck. Both troopers were killed in the ensuing gun battle.
Lieutenant Grimes and his partner were being directed into the area by aircraft when they too were ambushed. Lieutenant Grimes was killed in the ensuing gun battle, and his partner was wounded. Both suspects were eventually shot and killed by other officers at the scene.
Trooper Young had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for 25 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a grandchild.