Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, January 10, 1984
Arnold William Wilkerson
Deputy Sheriff Arnold Wilkerson was shot and killed while acting as a bailiff in the county courthouse. A suspect had gone to the courthouse with the intention of shooting a police officer who had given him a traffic ticket.
The suspect entered a courtroom and exchanged gunfire with Deputy Sheriff Harry Dalton, mortally wounding him. He then shot and killed Deputy Arnold Wilkerson in the courtroom and shot at the judge, but missed.
After exiting the courtroom he exchanged shots with another deputy in hallway. Corrections Officer Mark Parker, who was unarmed, was caught in the crossfire while attempting to shield citizens in the hallway. He was left paralyzed from the chest down and required round-the-clock care for the remainder of his life, until succumbing to his wounds on March 19th, 2009.
The suspect was convicted of murder and executed in June of 2000. Officer Parker attended the execution.
Deputy Wilkerson retired from the U.S. Navy prior to his service in law enforcement.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 2000
Most Recent Reflection
View all 29 ReflectionsThe Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.
Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.
A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9
Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association
August 20, 2016
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