Arthur Clay Briscoe
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Arthur Briscoe and Sheriff Steve Bennett were shot and killed while they were attempting to arrest a suspect with outstanding warrants in an area known as Little Hardwick Creek. In Toledo, Ohio, the suspect was wanted for assault on a police officer, jumping bail, receiving stolen property, and flagrant nonsupport. Deputy Sheriff Briscoe had visited the cabin a couple of weeks earlier looking for the suspect, but he was in Ohio at the time. The suspect's wife called and told him the authorities were looking for him, and he proceeded to Michigan, where he purchased an SKS assault rifle and ammunition. On the day of the incident, Deputy Briscoe went to the cabin after learning the suspect was back in town and confronted him. The suspect met him at the front door with his assault rifle and informed Deputy Briscoe he would not be arrested. Deputy Briscoe and Sheriff Bennett returned, and as they faced the cabin with their guns drawn, the suspect ambushed them from behind, killing them both. The suspect, who was a twice-convicted felon, was convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. Deputy Briscoe and Sheriff Bennett were brothers-in-law. Deputy Briscoe was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who had served with the Powell County Sheriff's Department for six weeks and had previously served with the Powell County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his 14-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B81835AB- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Briscoe served with the Powell County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Stanton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Arthur Clay Briscoe served in the Army (1970â1973) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Arthur Clay Briscoe 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Powell County Sheriff's Department, 2 of 2 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. Arthur Clay Briscoe's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur Clay Briscoe Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to Death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur Clay Briscoe is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur Clay Briscoe was killed by rifle; ak-47.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Powell County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
