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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Rhoden was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips during a vehicle pursuit of a stolen car.
The pursuit had started in Williamson County and proceeded into Bell County along I-35 at about 1:40 am. Deputy Rhoden was preparing to deploy the spike strips near Exit 294 when he was struck by a tractor-trailer.
Deputy Rhoden had served with the Bell County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. He is survived by his parents and brother. His father had also served with the Bell County Sheriff’s Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Rhoden gave the Bell County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Belton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rhoden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bell County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,423 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2020, 7 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2020, 45 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2020, 49 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 105th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 31. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 31. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 31. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 12.6%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Bell County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Bell County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bell County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
