Deputy U.S. Marshal Dennis Harkins of
Phoenix was wounded while he and four other deputies were chasing a
federal fugitive in Phoenix June 3, 2005. During a dangerous vehicle
pursuit and subsequent gunfight, the fugitive shot Harkins in the hand.
The deputies were able to take down and arrest the fugitive.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Morris of Phoenix
was shot in the stomach while approaching a fugitive whom he had tracked
down in Phoenix Aug. 3, 2005. The fugitive had violated probation for an
armed robbery connection. After shooting Morris, the fugitive stole a
vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside and fled the scene. The child and
vehicle were later safely recovered, and the fugitive took his own life
as officers closed in on him.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Owen Cypher of Chicago was shot in the left arm
while attempting a traffic stop on a fugitive wanted for multiple counts
of drug possession and trafficking in Columbus, Ohio, June 22, 2006. The
fugitive fled into the woods, and Cypher not only pursued and helped
apprehend him but also returned to the initial scene to cover the driver
of the getaway car. He did this with a rifle in one hand while elevating
his wounded arm.
Deputy U.S.
Marshal Juan Lara of McAllen, Texas, was attacked by a prisoner wielding
a razor blade during a routine prisoner movement inside a federal
courtroom in McAllen, Texas, May 22, 2009. Lara's left jaw line was
seriously lacerated and required multiple stitches. This incident
illustrates that even routine Marshals Service duties carry inherent
danger and risk.
Deputy U.S.
Marshal Jason Matthew of Washington was stabbed with a knife in the head
and right arm by a prisoner while he was attempting to secure her in
restraints in the cell block of the Superior Court of the District of
Columbia Jan. 26, 2010. His arm required four stitches to close the
wound. This incident also shows that even routine Marshals Service
duties carry inherent danger and risk.
Clark established the U.S. Marshals Service Purple Heart award earlier
this year, and this was only the second instance of the award being
presented to Marshals personnel. The award is given to U.S. Marshals
Service personnel seriously injured in the line of duty as a direct
result of criminal or hostile action. It is similar to the military
Purple Heart award given to members of the armed forces who have been
injured or killed by any action of the enemy.
