Conservation Officer Vernon Scott Averill

Vernon Scott Averill

Conservation Officer V. Scott Averill succumbed to complications of head injuries sustained on October 23rd, 1980, when he was attacked by a father and son.

Officer Averill had just issued the pairs citations for illegally spearing fish in Acme Creek, near M-72, at about 1:15 pm. As he turned away from the pair attacked him. The 16-year-old son held him down as the father beat him over the head with a .22 caliber hunting revolver. The two then stole Officer Averill's service pistol, glasses, and ticket book and fled the scene.

Despite suffering two skull fractures and a concussion, Officer Averill was able to crawl to his truck and then drive to M-72 where he called for help.

The father and son were arrested a short time later and charged with robbery and assault.

Officer Averill underwent surgery on the night of the incident to relieve pressure on his brain. He developed tumors in the immediate area of the skull fractures and died on February 1st, 1986.

Officer Averill was survived by his wife and two children.