Tucker County Sheriff's Department, West Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, September 9, 1946
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 9, 1946
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Executed
Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter and Sergeant Joseph Horne, of the West Virginia State Police, were shot and killed while arresting a man for stealing a coal truck.
The officers had served the arrest warrant at the man's home and accompanied him inside to obtain personal effects. While inside, the man shot and killed both officers with a pistol he had hidden in his waistband. The suspect then shot Sheriff Hovatter's son, who had accompanied his father.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested the following day during a massive manhunt. The man was convicted of the murders and executed by hanging.
Sheriff Hovatter was survived by his wife, four children, and two brothers.