Sheriff Harold A. Steele, Vinton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

Sheriff Harold A. Steele

Vinton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

End of Watch Sunday, August 30, 1970

Harold A. Steele

Sheriff Harold Steele was shot and killed while he and a deputy attempted to serve a warrant on a man for failing to appear in court.

The man had refused to let utility company employees onto his property and threatened them with a shotgun.

The suspect shot Sheriff Steele with a 12-gauge shotgun, and then shot and wounded the deputy who was with him. The suspect fled into the country side. He was arrested one week later and charged with murder.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to one to 20 years in prison on February 7th, 1971.

Sheriff Steele had served in law enforcement for 20 years. He had been sheriff for 14 years.

Bio

Age 61
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Sentenced to 1 to 20 years

warrant

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sheriff Harold A. Steele of the Vinton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

End of Watch: Sunday, August 30, 1970

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 30, 2017