The sheriff glared at him as if trying to measure his capacity to do harm.

The sheriff went outside and tried to talk the crowd into going home, but to no avail.

A sheriff (a state actor) had tried to prevent the lynching.

The sheriff then tried to enforce the tax by seizing £12 worth of livestock from the village.

The sheriff tried to explain what he knew or could deduce about the rationale for their plan.

A sheriff tries to clear his son of murder.

But the sheriff is just trying to protect you.

Barnette's questions weren't meant to be answered and the sheriff didn't try.

The sheriff tries to talk her out of it, but her mind is set.

"State likes to run their own show," the sheriff tried again.