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

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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

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sheriff Harold A. Steele of the Vinton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio, and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 30, 2024