Deputy Sheriff William Thomas "Tom" Pendergrass, Owsley County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

Deputy Sheriff William Thomas "Tom" Pendergrass

Owsley County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Wednesday, July 10, 1940

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William Thomas "Tom" Pendergrass

Deputy Sheriff Tom Pendergrass was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for causing a disturbance near New Hope.

The suspect immediately opened fire on Deputy Pendergrass as he stepped from his car, striking him in the chest with a shot from a .22 caliber. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Pendergrass returned fire, fatally striking the suspect.

Deputy Pendergrass attempted to drive himself to seek help but succumbed to the wound approximately two miles away.

Deputy Pendergrass was survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, and two brothers. One of his brothers served as a detective with the Detroit, Michigan, Police Department.

Bio

Age 57
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Wow! I never knew the name of my great, great grandfather or his occupation. Very Interesting to say the least.

Tammy Wagner Eggleton great-great-granddaughter (great-grandfather was Willard Pendergrass that dies at 26, grandfather was Clarence Pendergrass, mother is Rita Pendergrass Wagner D'Angina).

Tammy Eggleton

September 19, 2022