Rock Creek Constable's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch: Thursday, March 24, 1932
Age: 59
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 24, 1932
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 30 years
Constable Nathaniel Wyatt was shot and killed as he and a Wilkes County deputy investigated the theft of an automobile motor.
The officers and a civilian had gone to a home where they located the possible stolen motor. Upon their arrival, they observed a group of boys standing in the yard, one of whom was holding a jar of whiskey.
The boy began to run from the scene with the deputy and civilian in pursuit. Constable Wyatt, who stayed behind with the other youths, began to examine a shotgun that was laying nearby. As he did so, one of the other youths produced a .38 caliber revolver and shot him in the head, and killed him instantly. The shooter then stole Constable Wyatt's wallet and watch and fled the scene.
The suspect was captured and charged with murder. He was also charged with counterfeiting in an unrelated incident. He was convicted of counterfeiting and served 7 years in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. He was returned to Wilkes County in 1940, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 30 years in prison August 9, 1940.
Constable Wyatt was survived by his wife.