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Incident
Patrolman Jerrell Vaughan was shot and killed after he and another officer stopped two men in a vehicle on State Highway 130 (modern-day U.S. Route 165) three miles southeast of the city. The two men in the vehicle had been involved in a barroom brawl earlier in the night. As Patrolman Vaughan approached the vehicle he was shot once in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, he was able to return fire, striking the suspect five times in the chest. The subject survived, was later convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to death. He was later awarded a new trial that resulted in a second murder conviction and was sentenced to life. In 1975 he escaped from prison. He was captured five years later in South Lake Tahoe, California. In 1985 he was released from prison when evidence surfaced revealing that Patrolman Vaughan may have been killed by the man's companion.
Survivors
Patrolman Vaughan is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Vaughan served with the North Little Rock Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the North Little Rock community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Vaughan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
North Little Rock Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jerrell is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Jerrell is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jerrell is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 1 officer in AR was killed feloniously, the 68th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1963, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1963, 71 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
April holds 10.8% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at North Little Rock Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
North Little Rock Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Jerrell among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from North Little Rock Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
