Chief of Police Mike K. Knotts, Sr., Wagener Police Department, South Carolina

Chief of Police Mike K. Knotts, Sr.

Wagener Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, September 20, 1925

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Mike K. Knotts, Sr.

Chief of Police Mike Knotts was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man for being drunk and disruptive around 4:00 p.m.

The suspect, who had been arrested by Chief Knotts several times, declared that he would kill the chief if he ever tried to arrest him again. As Chief Knotts approached the suspect on a local street, he pulled out a revolver he had concealed under his shirt and shot the chief through the heart. A short time later, he surrendered to the Aiken County Sheriff.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to seven to 14 years in the South Carolina Penitentiary on November 4th, 1925.

Chief Knotts was a United States Army Spanish-American War veteran. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Sentenced to 14 years

DIP

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Chief Knotts,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 20, 2025