Incident
Deputy Sheriff William McIntosh was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest two men in south Ooltewah.
The suspects had set up a roadblock on the Dixie Highway and were robbing travelers. One of the suspects shot Deputy McIntosh as he arrived on the scene. The suspects then took people hostage and refused to allow them to render aid to the officer. Other officers arriving on the scene shot and wounded one of the suspects. He then forced a couple to drive him to a hospital where he was apprehended. The other suspect escaped.
The suspect who was apprehended was convicted of murder and sentenced to 21 years. The suspect, and the gunman, who escaped was arrested four days later in Carrolton, Georgia, for robbing a woman in Dalton. He and a Tennessee officer were on a train on their way back to Hamilton County when he asked permission to use the toilet. When he never came out, the officer discovered he crawled through a small window and jumped out near Cassville, Georgia.
In October of 1929 the James County Sheriff took a trip to Oklahoma. He was looking at pictures of Oklahoma Penitentiary inmates when he saw one that was Deputy Mcintosh's killer. He was extradited back to Hamilton County and tried for murder in February of 1920. The suspect who had changed his name said they had the wrong man. Witnesses from 1919 were not sure if he was the suspect or not. His accomplice was brought in from the Tennessee Penitentiary, but refused to say anything. He was acquitted.
James County reincorporated into Hamilton County on December 11th, 1919, after the county went bankrupt.
Although I never knew you, I am very proud of you from the article for your bravery and sacrifice. Please know your great, great, great granddaughter, Lily, was just born in March, 2024.
Susan Stamey Steinhoff Great granddaughter June 23rd, 2024
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff McIntosh served with the James County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ooltewah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff McIntosh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William Bartlett McIntosh 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At James County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Bartlett McIntosh's cause is highlighted.
How William Bartlett McIntosh Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Bartlett McIntosh is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Bartlett McIntosh was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from James County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.