Deputy Sheriff Norman F. Silkworth, King County Sheriff's Office, Washington

Deputy Sheriff Norman F. Silkworth

King County Sheriff's Office, Washington

End of Watch Friday, March 7, 1952

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Norman F. Silkworth

Deputy Silkworth was shot and killed when he and three other deputies responded to a robbery call at the Inglewood Golf and Country Club. Several suspects had tied up several employees and robbed them. One of the employees was able to free himself and went to his office to retrieve his handgun and call the police.

When the deputies arrived the victim thought it was the robbers returning and opened fire, striking Deputy Silkworth three times, killing him. Two of the other deputies were wounded.

The employee pled guilty to manslaughter and received a deferred sentence as long as he never possessed a firearm again. Five men and three women were charged with the burglary. Four of the suspects were never apprehended.

Deputy Silkworth had served with the agency for 14 months. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year, 2 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Not available

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Deputy Silkworth's death set a precedent for the safety of officers in similar future situations. When out of the patrol car ALWAYS wear your uniform hat. According to the critique of this incident Deputy Silkworth was not wearing his hat when he was sighted by the shooter and mistakenly identified as a suspect.

Major Dick Kraske
King County Sheriff's Department

March 7, 2019