In the autumn of 1909, a dedicated 24-year-old male Deputy Sheriff named Pleas Yargee found himself in a fateful confrontation. On Monday, October 18, 1909, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Deputy Yargee intervened when he witnessed a gambler taking advantage of an intoxicated young man. In an attempt to protect the boy, Yargee instructed the gambler to cease his actions.
The situation quickly escalated when the gambler drew a firearm. An exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving both Deputy Yargee and the suspect wounded. The suspect sustained critical injuries, while Deputy Yargee was shot in the hand. Initially, it was hoped that Yargee would recover at his home.
Unfortunately, his condition took a turn for the worse as blood poisoning and gangrene set in. He was then moved to the West Side Hospital for more intensive medical care. In a desperate effort to save his life, doctors amputated his right arm at the shoulder. Despite their efforts, Deputy Sheriff Pleas Yargee succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday, October 27, 1909. Following the incident, the suspect was tried for his involvement in the deputy's death but was ultimately acquitted of the charges.
