Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain

Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain | Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain

Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, April 17, 1976

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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
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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

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