Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Fred Wiatrek

Virgil Fred Wiatrek

Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Wiatrek was shot and killed as he and another special deputy attempted to arrest a man who had just committed a stabbing in Karnes City.

Both deputies were working an assignment at a dance hall at 410 W Buchel Avenue when the stabbing occurred during a fight. A man in the crowd grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, shooting both deputies as they tried to regain control of the gun.

Deputy Wiatrek was shot three times and killed. The other deputy was wounded.

The man who shot them was arrested and charged with murder.

Deputy Wiatrek was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was survived by his parents and five brothers.

Deputy Wiatrek held a special deputy commission and worked at dance halls on weekends. He had ambitions to be a Texas game warden.