Deputy Sheriff John Middleton, Kay County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

Deputy Sheriff John Middleton

Kay County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

End of Watch Sunday, July 22, 1923

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John Middleton

Deputy Sheriff John Middleton and Deputy Sheriff George Miller were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man in a cafe.

As the deputies entered the cafe, the suspect saw them and opened fire with a handgun, striking each deputy three times. Deputy Miller succumbed to his wounds at the scene, and Deputy Middleton succumbed to his wounds the following day.

The suspect immediately surrendered to local officials. On September 29, 1923, he claimed self-defense and was acquitted.

Deputy Middleton, a U.S. Army veteran, had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, July 21, 1923
Weapon Handgun
Offender Acquitted

arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Miller,
On today, the 102nd 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. Army.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 22, 2025