Deputy Sheriff Charles J. Kirkland, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas

Deputy Sheriff Charles J. Kirkland

Polk County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, May 24, 1918

Charles J. Kirkland

Deputy Sheriff Charles Kirkland was shot and killed during a gun battle with several men he attempted to arrest for refusing to register for the draft.

As he and a posse approached the suspect's cabin near Hatfield gunfire erupted from the windows. Deputy Kirkland was killed instantly and another officer was wounded. The posse returned fire killing one of the men.

Seven men were taken into custody and charged with Deputy Kirkland's murder. Six were convicted of murder. One was executed in the electric chair on August 24, 1918. Another was sentenced to life and the other four were sentenced to 16, 15, 10, and three years respectively.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender One shot and killed; One executed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Kirkland,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Polk County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 24, 2018