Elvis Kin Dies in Shootout

T U P E L O, Miss., July 6, 2001 -- A sheriff who was a cousin of Elvis Presleywas killed in a shootout early today that also left a suspectdead.

The gun battle began after a man fled from a police roadblockand pushed a woman, nude and bound with tape, from his car,authorities said. The man wrecked his car, and was later corneredin a shed at a home.

Lee County Sheriff Harold Ray Presley, 52, shoved a deputy outof the way and was apparently shot several times but returned fire,killing Billy Ray Stone, 53, authorities said.

The sheriff "almost certainly saved the deputy from injury ordeath," said Highway Patrol spokesman Warren Strain.

‘The King’ Covered His Wall

Harold Presley's father was the brother of Elvis Presley'sgrandfather, making them first cousins once removed. The late Kingof Rock 'n' Roll was born in Tupelo in 1935.

When he became sheriff in 1993, Harold Presley received callsfrom Elvis fans who wanted to buy his campaign signs. A wall ofPresley's office was covered with Elvis Presley pictures andposters.

The woman pushed from the car was in satisfactory condition witha cut on her arm and a broken ankle. Police said she had beenabducted the night before.