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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Josh Mitchell was shot and killed as he and other officers searched for a suicidal suspect in Big Lake, Texas, shortly after 6:00 pm.
The suspect was encountered in the 1100 block of Main Street and he opened fire on Deputy Mitchell, fatally wounding him. Deputy Mitchell succumbed to his wounds while being transported to a hospital in San Angelo.
The suspect barricaded himself in his home but was taken into custody after shooting himself in the face. He died of the self-inflicted gunshot wound one week later.
Deputy Mitchell had served with the Reagan County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, siblings, and grandparents.
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 Mitchell gave the Reagan County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Big Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Mitchell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joshua is the only officer of Reagan County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Joshua is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Joshua is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joshua 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 2012, 6 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2012, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2012, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joshua was 26. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Joshua had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Joshua was 26. 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. Joshua had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joshua was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joshua had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Reagan County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Reagan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.