Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain, Harlan County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky

Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain

Harlan County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, April 17, 1976

Wilson McLain

Deputy Wilson McLain was shot and killed while off duty, with his own handgun, in an unprovoked attack. He was standing in a market in Lee County, Virginia, when a man walked up behind him, took Deputy McLain's revolver out of its holster, and shot him five times. The suspect was shot and killed a few days later by Lee County Sheriff's deputies following a vehicle pursuit and shootout.

It is surmised that the suspect shot Deputy McLain either because he was wanted for questioning in a recent robbery or because he was upset that two of his brothers had just been convicted of a 1975 murder.

Deputy Wilson is survived by his wife, 14 living children, and 15 grandchildren.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Virginia
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff McLain. Your bravery and service were appreciated. You too left a large family behind, like Deputy Brock, a man of morals and stellar character.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 25, 2014