Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Arnold was shot and killed at a tavern at 744 Military Road while investigating a robbery. Officers had gone to the tavern to question a patron shortly after a nearby restaurant had been robbed. As Patrolman Arnold approached him, the man turned around and opened fire, striking him. Other officers returned fire and killed the subject. A citizen who was used as a human shield by the suspect was wounded during the shootout. Patrolman Arnold had served with the Buffalo Police Department for two years and was assigned to Precinct 17.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-119CBD32- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Arnold gave the Buffalo Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Arnold.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert J. Arnold is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Buffalo Police Department, 22 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert J. Arnold's cause is highlighted.
How Robert J. Arnold Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert J. Arnold is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert J. Arnold was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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