Deputy Sheriff Samuel Joseph Lewis, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

Deputy Sheriff Samuel Joseph Lewis

Lake County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

End of Watch Saturday, March 11, 1882

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Samuel Joseph Lewis

Deputy Sheriff Samuel Lewis was shot and killed while protecting a prisoner from an angry mob that was attempting to lynch the man.

The prisoner had been arrested for murdering a 15-year-old boy and was being held at a hotel in Linkville, Oregon. The man was being held on order of the justice of the peace who planned to hold a hearing on the upcoming Monday.

A group of 10 to 18 masked men entered the hotel and attempted to take the prisoner. Deputy Lewis refused to hand him over and a shootout ensued. Deputy Lewis was struck in the leg and bled to death within minutes. The justice of the peace was wounded in the arm. One of the masked men was shot and reportedly died as a result of the wound.

No other subjects were ever tried or convicted of Deputy Lewis' murder.

Bio

Age 25
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

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Most Recent Reflection

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It is NEVER too late to recognize devotion to duty and to recall service. Deputy Lewis lived in a rough, challenging time but met his obligations completely and willingly.

Cal Taylor, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

May 15, 2016