Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Arthur Simpson was shot and killed by a U.S. Army lieutenant who went on a rampage in the officers' club at Camp Anza, during which eight people were shot, three fatally. Officer Simpson and his partner saw a vehicle that a report had been broadcast about earlier parked on the side of the road and went to investigate. The suspect confronted Officer Simpson's partner with a .45-caliber automatic handgun. Officer Simpson ordered the suspect to put the gun away. Instead, the suspect fired two shots, hitting Officer Simpson in the stomach. His partner returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken into custody and transported to the hospital in serious condition. Officer Simpson was rushed to the county hospital where he died shortly after his arrival. The suspect was convicted of four counts of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On July 7th, 1944, he used a bed sheet to hang himself from a ceiling radiator while being treated for gunshot wounds in a hospital. Officer Simpson had served with the Riverside Police Department for three years.
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BO-US-CA-2E371ABF- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Simpson gave the Riverside Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Riverside community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Simpson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Arthur Simpson is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 0.9 percentage points below the national rate of 53.9%.
At Riverside Police Department, 14 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 93.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Arthur Simpson's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur Simpson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur Simpson is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur Simpson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Riverside Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
