Deputy Sheriff Joseph Baxter Shelton

Joseph Baxter Shelton

Deputy Sheriff Joe Shelton was shot and killed in Walnut while he and two other deputies questioned a man they suspected of being drunk in public.

The deputies had asked the man to demonstrate his sobriety by walking, but the man instead pulled out a handgun and opened fire on them. Deputy Shelton was struck in the head and killed instantly. The other two deputies returned fire and killed the subject.

A bystander was also wounded during the shootout.

Deputy Shelton was survived by his wife and seven children.