Deputy Marshal Thomas Harris

Thomas Harris

Deputy Marshal Thomas Harris was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for robbing a local saloon.

The saloon keeper was confronted and held at gunpoint as he went out back to obtain a bucket of coal. The man forced him back inside and stole $40 in cash before forcing the saloon keeper to pour him a beer. As the man began to drink the beer the victim fled out of the back and notified Deputy Harris of the robbery.

Deputy Harris located the man hiding in an upstairs room of the saloon. As he shined his light in the room the man opened fire, striking Deputy Harris several times, before fleeing. Other officers shot the subject when they attempted to arrest him a short distance away.

The suspect had to be secretly removed from the jail after a lynch mob attempted to lynch him.

Deputy Marshal Harris was survived by his wife and four children. Deputy Marshal Harris' flag was retired at the Rock Springs Police Department on May 18, 2018. His great-granddaughter is now employed with the same agency.