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Incident
Detective Elmer "Buddie" Moorehead was shot and killed by a suspect near the viaduct on highway 70 east of Ardmore. Detective Moorehead had gone to the area to provide aid to a group of squatters looking to leave the area. Once there he came upon a suspicious vehicle with two suspects inside. As he questioned the men inside the Buick sedan, one of the suspects was able to disarm Detective Moorehead and ordered him into the car at gunpoint. The suspect drove off, leaving his companion behind. Shortly, thereafter Detective Moorehead was shot by the suspect holding a gun on him in the car. Detective Moorehead's body was discovered thrown from the car, which his attacker then drove away in. The suspect, who it was believed had been involved in a series of robberies when Detective Moorehead came upon him, fled the scene but was later shot and killed in Texas when he resisted arrest.
Survivors
Detective Moorhead had served with the agency for 18 months, and was survived by his wife, his infant son, his mother, and seven siblings.
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
You barely got started.
Detective Moorehead gave the Ardmore Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Ardmore community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Moorehead.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ardmore Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Elmer is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elmer 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 1931, 1 officer at Ardmore Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 8 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elmer was 37. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Ardmore Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 48.3; the middle age was 42.5. Elmer had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 1.3 years.
Elmer was 37. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Elmer had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Elmer was 37. 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. Elmer had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elmer was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elmer had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at Ardmore Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 20%.
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Ardmore Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Ardmore Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Elmer among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Ardmore Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
