Elmer Murray Harris, a 39-year-old African American deputy sheriff, was shot and killed on December 5, 1986, in Swansea, Illinois, while attempting to arrest a man for illegally carrying a handgun. Harris and another deputy were working a secondary employment assignment providing security on a public transit bus when they observed the man board with a weapon and moved to make an arrest. A foot pursuit followed and the man shot Deputy Harris; Harris returned fire and wounded the suspect. The suspect was arrested and charged in connection with Harris’s death.

His death was described as a significant loss to the community and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department; colleagues and residents honored his sacrifice and recalled his dedication to protecting the public. Does anyone have memories of Deputy Harris or information that could shed more light on the events that night?