United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Friday, March 5, 2010
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 5, 2010
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 5 years
Officer Chris Upton was shot and killed by a hunter who mistook him for game at the Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Recreation Area in Jasper County, Georgia.
He was on patrol at 11:00 pm when he was struck by a shot fired by the hunter. The shooter was in a two-person hunting party hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle equipped with night vision. After shooting Officer Upton, the hunting party waited over an hour to call 911 to report the incident and failed to render aid. It is believed that this intentional delay in seeking help contributed to Officer Upton's death.
In November 2011, the suspect who shot Officer Upton was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, hindering a federal investigation, and hunting violations. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison and three years probation.
Officer Upton had served with the United States Forest Service for four years. He had previously served with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and as a game warden for the Department of Defense at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. He is survived by his wife and 4-year-old daughter.