On October 20, 1989, Deputy William M. Dillemuth, 44, a 23-year veteran of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, was killed while serving a warrant at a residence on Kraus Road in the town of Clarence, New York. Deputies approaching the house were met with gunfire in what has been described as an ambush; Dillemuth was struck in the chest and his partner was also shot but retreated to their patrol vehicle and called for help.

Responding officers were kept from reaching the wounded deputy for over half an hour by continuous gunfire from inside the home. Dillemuth was eventually taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, where he died at 3:15 p.m. The shooter then barricaded himself inside the house for more than nine hours before surrendering and being taken into custody. The shooter was later convicted and given a life sentence with parole eligibility in 2039. Dillemuth was survived by his son.

If anyone has information about Deputy Dillemuth, his service, or the events that afternoon, please share what is known.