Constable Samuel B. Teas, aged 41, was a Caldwell County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 officer in Lockhart, Texas. On December 29, 1907, Teas and three county deputy sheriffs went to Dale to arrest a man for arson. The suspect initially refused to open the door and lit a match as if to unlatch it. When a deputy sheriff observed that the man had a pistol pointed at the officers, one shot was fired at the man, and the officers broke down the door. Teas handed Deputy Sheriff A. H.
Gomillion his pistol, and as Teas attempted to handcuff the suspect, he became tangled in the bedclothes and fell into Gomillion. One of Gomillion’s pistols discharged, striking Teas in the shoulder and instantly killing him. The suspect fled but was later arrested and placed in the county jail.
The incident was ruled as an accidental death due to gunfire. Gomillion, who was deeply grieved over the accidental death of his close friend Teas, was not charged with any wrongdoing. The suspect was arrested and faced charges related to the initial arson incident.
Samuel B. Teas was born on June 8, 1866, and was survived by his third wife, Julia Alice Butler, and his two children from his second marriage. He was buried in the Lockhart City Cemetery.
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