Elk Park Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, August 5, 1920
Add to My HeroesZebulon Winters
Chief of Police Zeb Winters was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for being drunk in public.
The man had come into town and sent word to Chief Winters that he was in town and drunk. Chief Winters arrested him but was attacked while taking him to jail. The man gained control of Chief Winters' .44 caliber revolver and shot him several times before beating him with the pistol.
The subject was arrested and charged with murder. The trial was held in Boone, North Carolina, and was found guilty.
Chief Winters had only served with the Elk Park Police Department for six months. He was survived by his wife, three children, mother, and six brothers. Close to 12 men who were descendants of Chief Winters served in law enforcement in Avery County, North Carolina, and Carter County, Tennessee in the decades after his murder.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Convicted of murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsZeb Winter was my Great Grandfather. His son Woodrow F Winters was my grandfather. His correct name was William Zebede Winters. The man that shot him was Charlie Oaks and was tried and convicted for his murder.
Lea Ann Frank-Kloepping
Great granddaughter of Zeb Winters
May 12, 2022
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