End of Watch: Deputy Sheriff William J. Gentry, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff William J. Gentry, Jr.
Bio
Age 40
Tour 9 years
Badge Not available
Incident Details
Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, May 6, 2018
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender In custody
Deputy Sheriff William Gentry succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while responding to an animal abuse call at a home in the 200 block of Baltimore Way in which a homeowner’s cat had been fatally shot with a pellet gun.
He and a deputy he was training had responded to the victim’s home. During the investigation Deputy Gentry went to the suspect’s home, a convicted felon who lived next door, to make contact with him. As he stood at the front door the suspect opened fire on him, shooting him in the head.
The subject was taken into custody at the scene and charged with numerous counts.
Deputy Gentry was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wound the following day.
Deputy Gentry had served with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He is survived by a brother, who also serves with the agency.
Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:
Sheriff Paul Blackman
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
400 S. Eucalyptus Street
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200
