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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Scott was shot and killed with his own weapon after being attacked in Betts, Florida. He was standing on a train depot platform near the present-day Highway 231 overpass when a man appeared and walked past him several times. At one point the man stopped and began a verbal argument with Deputy Scott. The suspect then grabbed Deputy Scott's revolver from its holster, struck him in the face with it, and then shot him in the abdomen. Deputy Scott succumbed to his wounds several minutes later. The suspect was apprehended and charged with murder. He was sentenced to life in prison but was pardoned by the Governor in 1921. Three years prior, Deputy Scott had served as interim Bay County sheriff and county judge. Deputy Scott was Bay County's first officer killed in the line of duty.
Survivors
He was survived by four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Scott gave the Bay County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Panama City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Scott.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bay County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1917, 3 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 39. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Charles was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Bay County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 10.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Bay County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bay County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
