Sheriff John Thomas Wells, Pender County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Sheriff John Thomas Wells

Pender County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, October 31, 1953

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John Thomas Wells

Sheriff John Wells was shot and killed after responding to reports of a gunfight between two men in Burgaw at 7:30 am.

When Sheriff Wells arrived, he encountered one of the men holding a shotgun. He ordered the man to drop the weapon three times, but the man turned towards him. Sheriff Wells opened fire, wounding the suspect, who fired back and struck Sheriff Wells in the head. The suspect then shot himself in the chest.

Sheriff Wells was a World War I veteran and had served with the Pender County Sheriff's Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 55
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Committed suicide

shooting call, weapons violation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifty-sixth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 8, 2009