Incident
Chief of Police Frank Davis and Patrolman Leslie Potts were shot after responding to a disturbance at a home on Main Street. Patrolman Leslie 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.
Survivors
Chief Davis was survived by his wife and five sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-241422F0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Davis served with the Malvern Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Malvern community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Clyde Franklin Davis is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AR, 249 of 372 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.9% of this state's fallen. That is 12.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Malvern Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Clyde Franklin Davis's cause is highlighted.
How Clyde Franklin Davis Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clyde Franklin Davis is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clyde Franklin Davis was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Malvern Police Department are honored on badge.nw.