Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective James Arnold was shot and killed at 1036 Street Street as he and another detective attempted to arrest a man for larceny. The detectives located the man at home where they arrested him and confiscated a pistol. The man was granted permission to change clothes and the two detectives accompanied him to a bedroom. When he reached into a trunk to pick up a pair of pants he grabbed a revolver that was hidden underneath. He immediately shot Detective Arnold in the head and then fled the scene. In February of 1914 it was discovered that the suspect had just been sent to San Quentin Penitentiary in California after being convicted of a burglary in that state. He was returned to St. Louis and convicted of Detective Arnold's murder on January 29, 1915, and sentenced to 14 years to life. Detective Arnold had served with the East St. Louis Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-2069C7D4- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Arnold gave the East St. Louis Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Arnold.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James J. Arnold 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At East St. Louis Police Department, 18 of 22 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 81.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Arnold's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Arnold Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 14 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Arnold is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Arnold was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from East St. Louis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
