Sheriff David Walter Oaks, Burke County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Sheriff David Walter Oaks

Burke County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, August 21, 1966

David Walter Oaks

Sheriff David Oaks was shot and killed while assisting his deputies at a barricade situation of a man who had shot two deputies.

After the officers fired tear gas into the house, the man came out with his hand raised claiming to surrender. He then lowered his rifle and opened fire, striking Sheriff Oaks three times. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended without incident. He was sent to prison, was paroled, and died in 1989.

Sheriff Oaks is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Bio

Age 44
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Released from prison

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Sheriff Oaks was a close friend of my father Noah O. Pitts, Jr. One of my best memories of Sheriff Oaks was when he took me trout fishing on a small stream on Jonas Ridge. Sheriff Oaks drove us there in his patrol car and let me as young boy have the thrill of pushing the siren button. He was a gentle man, good fisherman and could tell stories that were wonderful.

His tragic death was a tremendous shock to our family and the community.

Grady R. Pitts
Friend

February 12, 2016