Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Sanford Pruett was intentionally struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle that he, four other Cleveland County deputies, and a United States federal revenue officer had stopped on the road at Ward's Gap. Deputy Pruett was assisting the federal officer in apprehending a bootlegger. As they approached the vehicle the driver put it in reverse and attempted to strike the officers. Deputy Pruett was struck and killed as he pushed another officer clear of the oncoming car. The driver of the vehicle and three passengers were arrested and charged with manslaughter, but those charges were later dismissed by a district judge. Deputy Pruett had served with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-DCB4DB45- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pruett gave the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Shelby community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pruett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Sanford A. Pruett is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 4.1 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Sanford A. Pruett's cause is highlighted.
How Sanford A. Pruett Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Sanford A. Pruett is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Sanford A. Pruett was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Cleveland County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
