Deputy Sheriff Charles Leroy Wilkerson, Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff Charles Leroy Wilkerson

Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, January 19, 1974

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Charles Leroy Wilkerson

Deputy Charles Wilkerson was shot and killed when he stopped two suspects who had just committed an armed robbery.

At the time, Deputy Wilkerson did not know the robbery had occurred. He had stopped the suspects on Interstate 10 near Pine Forest Road for a routine traffic stop. He talked to the men in the vehicle and went back to his patrol car. The driver exited his vehicle and shot Deputy Wilkerson twice in his head. The men fled to Alabama.

One of the suspects was shot and killed a short time later. The driver was sentenced to death, but his sentence was overturned to life in prison.

Deputy Wilkerson was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for two years. He was survived by his son, two stepsons, his mother, and a sister.

Bio

Age 44
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed; Life in prison

robbery, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Wilkerson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy-especially during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 19, 2024