Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Roberts was shot and killed with his own weapon while transporting a juvenile prisoner from one juvenile facility to another. Deputy Roberts was driving and his wife, who was also a Reserve Deputy, was in the front passenger seat. The suspect, who was in the back seat, was able to reach from the back seat and grab Deputy Roberts’ wife around the neck. He then demanded that Deputy Roberts pull the vehicle over and surrender his gun. After stopping, and exiting the vehicle a struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of the weapon and shot Deputy Roberts twice. He was flown to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. His wife was uninjured. The suspect stole the unmarked cruiser, but was later captured after a short manhunt.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-OK-4C8D9CF7- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Deputy Roberts gave the Delaware County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jay community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Roberts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Deputy Vernie Melford Roberts is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Vernie Melford Roberts's cause is highlighted.
How Vernie Melford Roberts Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Vernie Melford Roberts is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.