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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Max Straub was killed by a man he was transporting to the Western State Hospital at Fort Supply. The man had committed himself and was being transported to the hospital when he somehow seized the deputy's .357 magnum pistol and shot him three times, including one near the left ear with powder burns and one in the left chest with powder burns. Witnesses observed the occupants of the patrol car wrestling in the front seat. The vehicle rolled into a ditch and stopped. The suspect exited the car and got on the driver's side, pushing something towards the passenger side and driving off. The vehicle was found about 3/4ths of a mile down the road, and the suspect was walking along the side of the road. The 25-year-old suspect was sentenced to life in prison. Deputy Straub had served with the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office for five months and previously served with the Mangum Police Department for over three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, mother, father, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Straub gave the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hobart community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Straub.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kiowa County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Max is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Max is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Max is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 2 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Max was 25. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Max had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Max was 25. 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. Max had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Max was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Max had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Kiowa 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 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.2% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Kiowa County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Max among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Kiowa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
