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Incident
Patrolman Leslie Potts was shot and killed after responding to the scene where Chief of Police Clyde Davis had just been fatally shot by a subject at a home on Main Street. Patrolman Potts was off duty and preparing for his son's 10th birthday party when he was notified of the shooting. He knew the suspect and responded to the scene. When he arrived, he encountered the subject holding a .22 caliber rifle. He was able to talk the man into lowering the weapon, but a child on the ground floor ran out of the home, causing a screen door to slam shut. The noise startled the offender, who raised the rifle and shot Patrolman Potts in the stomach, killing him. Patrolman Potts was a United States Army WWI veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Potts served with the Malvern Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Malvern community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Leslie Lee Potts served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Malvern Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Leslie is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Leslie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Leslie is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leslie was 35. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Leslie was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Leslie was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 10.8% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Thursdays: 18.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Malvern Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Malvern Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Leslie among them.
Where
Military Service
Leslie Lee Potts served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Leslie Lee Potts’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Malvern Police Department are honored on badge.nw.