Bienville Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 28, 1928
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 2 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 28, 1928
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Deputy Sample Toms was shot and killed while attempting to arrest several men for bootlegging.
The men opened fire on Deputy Toms, killing him instantly. One of the suspects was also killed in the shootout. Three others escaped but were later apprehended. All three were subsequently convicted of manslaughter.
Deputy Sample had served with the Bienville Parish Sheriff's Office for only two months. He was survived by his wife.