William E. Hutson, a 42-year-old white male, served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Ocala, Florida. On October 5, 1910, Deputy Hutson was tragically killed in the line of duty. The incident occurred when Deputy Hutson responded to a call for backup from another deputy, Charlie Smith, who was attempting to arrest Will Summerlin.
Summerlin had previously escaped custody after being arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
Deputy Smith initially approached Summerlin's residence in Northwest Ocala but was met with armed resistance from Summerlin and another man, later identified as Summerlin's nephew, Harvey. Smith retreated and called for additional support. When Deputy Hutson arrived, he and Smith attempted to enter the house but were immediately fired upon. Deputy Hutson was struck by a rifle shot and fell backwards into the yard. Smith again retreated to summon more help.
The situation escalated as an Ocala police officer, Henry Gordon, arrived at the scene and was also shot twice. Armed citizens began to fire into the house, leading to a chaotic exchange of gunfire. Ultimately, Will Summerlin committed suicide as the armed citizens continued their assault on the residence. Harvey, who was initially believed to be involved in the shooting, was later found to have left the house before Deputy Hutson's arrival and was not implicated in the incident.
Deputy Hutson's death prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation confirmed that Summerlin had acted alone in the fatal shooting of Deputy Hutson and the wounding of Officer Gordon. No further arrests or litigations were reported in connection with the case. Deputy Hutson was survived by his wife and their 11-year-old daughter, Louise. His death is remembered as a significant loss to the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Ocala community.
