Deputy Sheriff Abner Matlock, age 40, of the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department in Texas, was shot and killed on August 12, 1911, while attempting to arrest a man for firearm possession. Matlock was well-known in the community and had previously removed the suspect from a dance for causing a disturbance. When Matlock approached the suspect and demanded the pistol, the suspect drew the weapon and pointed it at Matlock.
Matlock fired at the suspect, wounding him, but the suspect managed to shoot Matlock in the hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The suspect then seized Matlock's pistol and shot him four more times. Matlock succumbed to his injuries two hours later.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and was pursued by a posse. During the pursuit, the suspect fired two shots at the posse, who returned fire and killed him. Deputy Sheriff Abner Matlock had served with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department for approximately three years.
There were no further arrests, suspects, litigations, or investigations related to Matlock's death, as the suspect was killed during the pursuit. Matlock's death was ruled as a result of gunfire, and he is remembered for his service and sacrifice for the citizens of Atascosa County.
