Deputy Sheriff Allen Richard Lipford

Allen Richard Lipford

Deputy Lipford was shot and mortally wounded by a felon as he escaped from the county jail after overpowering two other deputies and taking one's service revolver. The 24-year-old suspect was found the next day hiding under a pile of leaves in Shady Valley. Deputy Lipford was transported to a hospital in nearby Boone, North Carolina, where he later died.

The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1993 he had 25 years added to his sentence for a conviction of crimes ranging from theft to armed robbery. He has a parole hearing in November, 2022.

Deputy Lipford is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.