Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma
End of Watch Monday, July 19, 1999
Add to My HeroesVernie Melford Roberts
Special Deputy Roberts was shot and killed with his own weapon while transporting a juvenile prisoner from one juvenile facility to another. Deputy Roberts was driving and his wife, who was also a reserve deputy, was in the front passenger seat.
The suspect, who was in the back seat, was somehow able to reach from the back seat and grab Deputy Roberts' wife around the neck. He then demanded that Deputy Roberts pull the vehicle over and surrender his gun. After stopping, and exiting the vehicle a struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of the weapon and shot Deputy Roberts twice.
Deputy Roberts was flown to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His wife was uninjured.
The suspect then stole the unmarked cruiser, but was later captured after a short manhunt. He was tried as an adult, convicted of first degree murder on January 10, 2001, and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Bio
- Age 65
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsIts been 20 years but we have not forgotten ,
Deputy Roberts was a great man and a great Officer,
He was always ready to help anyone in Delaware County,
Rest in Peace
Director J.Mark Wall
NEO A&M College Dept. of Public Safety / Campus Police
July 19, 2019
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