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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William May was shot and killed in LaCrosse, Florida, while attempting to arrest a man for threatening his own family and for threatening to kill any officers who attempted arrest him.
Deputy May was off duty, attending church, when he was notified of the incident. He went to the home where the family lived and knocked on the door. The subject opened the door with his hand in his pocket. When Deputy May told him he was under arrest the pulled out a handgun and shot him twice. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy May was able to return fire and killed the subject.
Deputy May had only served with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office for five months and had previously served as a county constable in the LaCrosse District.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, three brothers, three half brothers, one half sister, and grandfather.
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 May served with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gainesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff May.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Alachua County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1934, 1 officer at Alachua County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1934, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Alachua County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 34.8 and 46.3; the middle age was 42. William had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 1 years.
William was 44. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. William had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 44. 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. William had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 16.7% of these deaths at Alachua County Sheriff's Office; December holds the most, 16.7%. Sundays: 16.7%.
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in FL, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was 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 handgun, in 19% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Alachua County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Alachua County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
