Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Fred Wiatrek, Karnes County Sheriff's Office, Texas

Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Fred Wiatrek

Karnes County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, February 7, 1970

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Virgil Fred Wiatrek

Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Wiatrek was shot and killed as he and another special deputy attempted to arrest a man who had just committed a stabbing in Karnes City.

Both deputies were working an assignment at a dance hall at 410 W Buchel Avenue when the stabbing occurred during a fight. A man in the crowd grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, shooting both deputies as they tried to regain control of the gun.

Deputy Wiatrek was shot three times and killed. The other deputy was wounded.

The man who shot them was arrested and charged with murder.

Deputy Wiatrek was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was survived by his parents and five brothers.

Deputy Wiatrek held a special deputy commission and worked at dance halls on weekends. He had ambitions to be a Texas game warden.

Bio

Age 24
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Charged with murder

stabbing call

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Special Deputy Sheriff Wiatrek,
On today, the 55th 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 served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 7, 2025