Prev
Incident
Deputy Marshal Richard White was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a suspect's vehicle at 10:00 p.m. during a pursuit that had started in Utah. The suspect and his passenger had been pursued by deputies in Utah for 175 miles and entered Arizona. Marshal White and two Mohave County deputies had set up a roadblock in Colorado City, but the suspect was able to avoid it. Marshal White joined in the pursuit. When the suspect observed a second roadblock set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, he turned the car around and headed back toward Utah on Arizona Highway 389. Shortly after turning around, the suspect's vehicle, traveling without its lights on, struck Marshal White's vehicle head-on at a speed of over 90 mph. The driver and passenger, who was on probation from a grand larceny conviction, in the fleeing car were also killed in the crash. Marshal White had served in law enforcement for nine years, serving with the Colorado City Police Department and previously served as an auxiliary deputy for the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and thirteen children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnf44yttnsx0rs01nc6z- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. 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.
Deputy Marshal White gave the Colorado City Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Colorado City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Marshal White.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Richard is the only officer of Colorado City Police Department remembered here.
Richard is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1987, 4 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 41. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Richard had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Richard was 41. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Colorado City Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.8% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Colorado City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.