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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Williams was shot and killed as he and a Punta Gorda policeman attempted to arrest a drunk man at 4:00 am.
During the arrest, the man resisted and was struck by one of the officers. One of his friends took offense to the arrest and opened fire with a pistol, killing Deputy Williams. Both men were arrested and charged with first-degree murder but were later acquitted.
Deputy Williams was a widower who was survived by eight children.
Survivors
Deputy Williams was a widower who was survived by eight 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 Williams served with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Arcadia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 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 1903, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 43. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
Charles was 43. 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 was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from DeSoto County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
