Prev
Incident
Patrolman John Hussey was shot and killed after being abducted by two men during a traffic stop. They handcuffed him to a nearby tree and shot him with his own service revolver three times . The 39-year-old shooter was apprehended on May 9, 1977, by two FBI agents in Denver, Colorado. He had been placed on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List a few weeks after he murdered Patrolman Hussey. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. He escaped from prison on May 9, 1988 but was later recaptured on September 6, 1988, after being profiled on the television show "America's Most Wanted." A tip led to his capture at a homeless shelter in Austin, Texas. He was found asleep on a cot with a sawed-off shotgun by his side. He died in prison in 1995. The other 30-year-old suspect was apprehended in Conrad, Montana, on June 8, 1978, by Pondera County deputies and FBI agents. He was returned to Arkansas, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. He died in prison in 2019. Patrolman Hussey had only served with the Springdale Police Department for six weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpgy4mwmvn1mbn0nxa4a- 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 John. 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.
Patrolman Hussey served with the Springdale Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Springdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hussey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Springdale Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 22. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 22. 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. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Sundays: 11.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Springdale Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Springdale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.