Sergeant Tom Anderson Sitton, aged 33, was a dedicated officer with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office in Texas. On May 24, 1996, while serving a warrant related to terrorist activities, Sergeant Sitton was tragically shot and killed. Another deputy was also wounded during the incident. The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Gilbert Chapman, was arrested at the scene. Chapman had a history of violence and allegedly threatened a neighbor earlier that day.
During the confrontation, Chapman produced a .38 revolver and fired several shots, striking Sergeant Sitton four times. Sitton was hit once in the face, twice in the chest, and once in the knee. He was not wearing a bullet-proof vest at the time.
Chapman was charged with capital murder and assault on a peace officer. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The incident deeply affected the community, and in May 2019, Highway 21 West was renamed Sergeant Tom Sitton Memorial Highway in his honor.
Sergeant Sitton had served with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office for seven years and is survived by his wife and two daughters. His death was a significant loss to the department and the community he served. The dedication of Highway 21 West serves as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
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