Norfolk County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, August 29, 1909
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 28, 1909
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1910
Deputy Joseph Sykes was shot and killed on Old County Road, in the City of South Norfolk, as he and two special officers attempted to question three suspicious men they observed on the road. When the three men realized they had been seen by the officers they split up and began walking in separate directions.
As one of the officers began chasing one of the suspects they exchanged shots. Deputy Sykes and the other officer took the remaining two suspects into custody at gunpoint. One of the two suddenly stepped behind the other, drew a gun, and opened fire. Deputy Sykes was struck once in the neck and once in the leg. Both suspects then fled the scene.
Deputy Sykes was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, in Norfolk City, where he died the following evening.
All three suspects were apprehended within three weeks. The suspect who shot Deputy Sykes was sentenced to death and executed at the Virginia State Penitentiary on June 10, 1910.
Deputy Sheriff Sykes was survived by his wife and two children.