Deputy Sheriff William S. Thompson

William S. Thompson

Deputy Sheriff William Thompson was shot and killed as he and several other deputies raided a barn on the Powell River, 12 miles from Tazewell near the Virginia border, where an illegal still was being operated.

Because of a rough road, the deputies were forced to park their car and walk approximately one mile to the home. As they walked past the home the homeowner opened fire on them with a shotgun, striking Deputy Thompson and another deputy.

The other deputies returned fire and struck the subject, fatally wounding him. The deputy who wasn't wounded returned to town to notify the sheriff and to get assistance.

Deputy Thompson was taken to a hospital in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he succumbed to his wounds.

Deputy Thompson had served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office for five years. He was survived by his wife and several children.