Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff William J. Gentry, Jr.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, May 7, 2018
Age 40
Tour 13 years
Badge 2247
Incident Date Sunday, May 6, 2018

Deputy Sheriff William Gentry succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while responding to an animal abuse call at a home in the 200 block of Baltimore Way in which a homeowner's cat had been fatally shot with a pellet gun.

He and a deputy he was training had responded to the victim's home. During the investigation Deputy Gentry went to the suspect's home, a convicted felon who lived next door, to make contact with him. As he stood at the front door the suspect opened fire on him, shooting him in the head.

The 69-year-old subject was taken into custody at the scene and charged with numerous counts.

Deputy Gentry was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wound the following day.

Deputy Gentry had served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by a brother, who also serves with the agency.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.