End of Watch: The Murder of Deputy Charles Wilkerson, Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Department

By Mike Simmons

From the book, “Some Gave All,” coming soon on Amazon.

On Saturday night, January 19, 1974, Vernon Cooper and Steve Ellis pulled an armed robbery at the Winn Dixie grocery store at the corner of Mobile Highway and Saufley Field Road. Minutes later, Escambia County Deputy Charles Wilkerson stopped their vehicle at Pine Forest Road and Interstate 10 for erratic driving, not knowing the robbery had occurred. The robbery was broadcast during the stop, at which time one of the suspects distracted Deputy Wilkerson as the other suspect shot him. The two suspects fled. A massive manhunt followed off the Wilcox Road exit from I-10 in Alabama. It resulted in the death of Ellis and the capture of Cooper.

Vernon Cooper was sentenced to life in prison, but it didn’t bring Charlie back.

Deputy Wilkerson had served with the agency for two years.

Deputy Charles Wilkerson

2 responses to “End of Watch: The Murder of Deputy Charles Wilkerson, Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Department”

  1. When and where did this happen

    1. Wow! I didn’t realize that I had left that information out! Thank you. I have updated the post. The robbery occurred at the Winn Dixie located at Mobile Highway and Saufley Field Road and the murder occurred at the Pine Forest Road and Interstate 10 interchange. It happened on Saturday, January 19, 1974. The suspect, Vernon Cooper, was caught in the early morning hours of January 20th. Thanks again! Mike

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