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Deputy Sheriff J. Edward Harrelson | Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff

J. Edward Harrelson

Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch: Tuesday, December 21, 1926

Biographical Info

Age: 35
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 21, 1926
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Executed in 1927

Deputy Harrelson was shot and killed by one of two men who attempted to rob him as he arrived at his home in Lakeland, Florida.

The deputy's brother returned fire at the fleeing suspects peppering them both with birdshot. One was captured the next day and the other was captured three weeks later. Both were convicted of murder. The shooter was executed in the electric chair on April 7, 1927.

Deputy Harrelson was transported to Lakeland Hospital where he died of his injuries.