U.S. MARSHAL KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY

U.S. Marshal Derek Hotspinpiller
Killed in Line of Duty

2/17/2011 - United States Marshal Derek Hotspinpiller was killed in the line of duty today while executing an ARREST WARRANT in Elkins, West Virginia. Two other U.S. Marshals were wounded in this shootout developed as the Marshals went to arrest Charles E. Smith who was wanted on possession of Cocaine with intent to sell charges. A Search Warrant was issued for Smith's residence by a U.S. Magistrate Judge John Kaull in Clarksburg, Federal Court of W. Virginia.

U.S. Marshal Hotspinpiller, 24 years old, was a U.S. Marshal for more than one year. He and the other Marshals were hit by a shotgun blast as they entered the residence. One Marshal is hospitalized, the other wounded officer was treated and released. Marshal Hotspinpiller is the son of a Bridgeport Police Lieutenant who died more than a decade ago from a heart attack, a common cause of death to police officers, caused by the stress of the job.

SCENE of SHOOTOUT
Elkins, W.Virginia

Smith was killed in the shootout.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said; "In fulfilling their critical duties, these courageous deputies put their lives on the line and put the safety of others above their own."

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund reports that more than 23 law enforcement officers throughout the United States have been killed in the line of duty this year. NOT EVEN TWO MONTHS OLD.  How violent is America becoming. Many of the killings are DRUG RELATED or HUMAN SMUGGLING.

Our prayers are with the Hotspinpiller family and the members of the U.S. Marshals Service.