Chief of Police Ernest Joseph Leatherbury, Sr.

Ernest Joseph Leatherbury, Sr.

Chief of Police Ernest Leatherbury suffered a fatal heart attack at 5:30 pm, approximately one hour after helping other officers subdue a suspect in front of the police station.

The suspect who had been arrested for assault refused to go into the station and had to be forced inside by the chief and other officers. Chief Leatherbury collapsed at a meeting approximately one hour after the incident.

Chief Leatherbury had served with the Crisfield Police Department for six years and had previously served with the Maryland State Police for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, five grandchildren, and nine siblings.