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Incident
Police Officer William Sprague succumbed to injuries sustained the previous night when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while investigating a disturbance at Grady T. Wallace Park at approximately 12:30 am.
Officer Sprague had responded to reports of the disturbance, involving approximately 100 people, and was attempting to make contact with the driver of an SUV. The vehicle suddenly accelerated, struck him, and then fled the area. The officer was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
The subject who struck the officer was arrested the following day after being interviewed by detectives. He was subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Officer Sprague had served with the Texarkana Police Department for two years and had previously served with several agencies in Arkansas.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Sprague gave the Texarkana Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Texarkana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sprague.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Texarkana Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2013, 43 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 144th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2013, 49 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 30. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 30. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 30. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Texarkana Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.3% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Texarkana Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Texarkana Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
