Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Sheriff Roy Luke Bassett | Maries County Sheriff's Office, Missouri
Maries County Sheriff's Office, Missouri

Sheriff

Roy Luke Bassett

Maries County Sheriff's Office, Missouri

End of Watch: Friday, September 23, 1994

Biographical Info

Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 970

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 23, 1994
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Sheriff Roy Bassett was shot and killed while assisting a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper investigate a minor traffic accident on U.S. 63, south of Vienna. As the trooper began to interview one of the drivers he became suspicious and requested backup.

When Sheriff Bassett arrived he was asked to watch the driver and passenger as the trooper searched the vehicle. The driver suddenly opened fire on Sheriff Bassett, striking him several times. At the same time, the passenger lunged at the trooper in an effort to disarm him. The trooper drew his weapon and shot the man, wounding him. The trooper and the driver then exchanged shots until the driver was fatally wounded.

Sheriff Bassett was flown to Phelps County Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds while undergoing surgery.

Sheriff Bassett was a US Air Force veteran and had served as sheriff for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.