JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

Deputy Sheriff
William H. Smith
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama
End of Watch Sunday, June 6, 2021
Age 57 Tour 7 Years Badge n/A
Sergeant
Erasmo García-Torres
Puerto Rico Police Department, Puerto Rico
End of Watch Thursday, June 10, 2021
Age 50 Tour 29 Years 11 Months, Badge # N/A
Deputy Sheriff Bill Smith drowned while attempting a water rescue of
three distressed swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico off of Fort Morgan
Road. He and another deputy entered the water in an attempt to rescue
the three swimmers. Deputy Smith also became distressed during the
rescue. Deputy Smith was taken to a nearby medical facility where he
was pronounced dead. The other deputy and all three swimmers were also
treated at local facilities.
Deputy Smith had served with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for
seven years. He had previously served with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s
Office and had served as a firefighter for 30 years.
Sergeant Erasmo García-Torres was shot and killed while conducting a
traffic stop at the intersection of Calle Villa and Calle Venus in Ponce,
Puerto Rico. The driver started to walk away during the stop and Sergeant
García-Torres began to follow him. The man suddenly turned around
and opened fire on Sergeant García-Torres, striking him in the head.
Sergeant García-Torres was transported to a local hospital where he was
pronounced dead.
Sergeant García-Torres had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department
for 30 years and was assigned to the Ponce East Precinct. He was
posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He is survived by his
four sons.
Police Officer
Alexandra Brenneman Harris
Seattle Police Department, Washington
End of Watch Sunday, June 13, 2021
Age 38 Tour 5 years Badge #N/A
Police Officer Lexi Harris was struck and killed by a vehicle while checking
on the welfare of several drivers who had just been involved in a vehicle
crash on I-5 near Spokane Street. Officer Harris had just completed her
shift and was en route home when she encountered the crash at about
1:15 am. She had exited her vehicle to check on the drivers when she was
struck by another passing vehicle. After being struck, one of the drivers
from the original crash stole her POV and fled the area. The driver who
struck her remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating
officers.
Officer Harris had served with the Seattle Police Department for five
years.
Police Officer
Joseph William Burson
Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Age 25 Tour 1 Year 6 Months Badge 235
Police Officer Joe Burson succumbed to injuries sustained when he was
dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop of a speeding vehicle at about
11:00 pm. He had stopped the vehicle on Hickory Road between Little
Road and Hickory Hills Drive. At some point during the stop, the driver
attempted to flee in the car and dragged Officer Burson alongside it. Officer
Burson was able to fatally shoot the subject while being dragged but
suffered severe injuries when he fell to the pavement.
Officer Burson had served with the Holly Springs Police Department for
18 months. He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
98 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE
The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 99