Bridge in Iredell County renamed in honor of sheriff killed in 1934

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — A bridge in Iredell County was renamed Thursday in honor of a sheriff who was shot and killed in the line of duty 90 years ago.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced Thursday that the bridge along southbound Interstate 77 at Interstate 40 in Statesville will be renamed after Sheriff Godfrey “Click” Kimball. Kimball, a World War I veteran, was shot and killed while trying to arrest a suspect accused of kidnapping and robbing the mayor of Statesville in August 1934.

Kimball and Deputy Ralph Gilbert found the mayor’s stolen vehicle in Elmwood Township on August 17. When officers entered the home to confront the suspect, they were met with gunfire. Both men were taken to a hospital. Kimball succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was sentenced to 70 years in prison for second-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery. He escaped from a prison camp in Jackson County in September 1948. He was shot and killed by the sheriff the next day.

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