Deputy Sheriff William D. Pledger, Bay County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff William D. Pledger

Bay County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Monday, September 9, 1935

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William D. Pledger

Deputy Sheriff William Pledger was shot and killed while checking on road houses and night spots in the Bayou Gorge area. At approximately 1:00 am he became engaged in an altercation with two brothers at the Night Owl Club, a roadhouse near Panama City. One of the men produced a handgun and shot both his brother and Deputy Pledger, killing them both.

The suspect, 28, was convicted of Sheriff Pledger's murder and sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court granted a new trial and on April 4, 1937, he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on February 4, 1938.

Deputy Pledger had served with the Bay County Sheriff's Office for approximately nine months.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 9 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Died in prison

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Most Recent Reflection

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Thoughts and prayers remain with Deputy Pledger's family, loved ones and the members of the Bay County Sheriff's Office. While this incident occurred in 1935, it's cirmumstances are true even today as deputies and other law enforcement are in harm's way engaging the evils of society makeing our communities safer for the unknowingly grateful. Deputy Pledger's service will not be forgotten, nor will that of all the great members of the Bay County Sheriff's Office. May God continue to watch over and protect our Florida Heroes.

Director Gary Howze
Florida Office of the Attorney General

September 9, 2021