Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Robert Tyson was shot and killed while questioning two suspicious men on the highway south of town.
He was exiting his vehicle when one of the men opened fire on him, mortally wounding him. He was transported to St. Vincent's Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning.
Two suspects were arrested a short time later. The shooter was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Marshal Tyson had served with the Gurdon Police Department for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, three brothers, and three sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-A36D4C0D- 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.
Marshal Tyson gave the Gurdon Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gurdon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Tyson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal Robert C. Tyson 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 Gurdon Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert C. Tyson's cause is highlighted.
How Robert C. Tyson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert C. Tyson is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert C. Tyson was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Gurdon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
