Prev
Incident
Patrolman Richard Choate was shot and killed as he and the police chief escorted a robbery suspect to a location where the man claimed to have hidden stolen property.
Without warning, the subject produced a concealed handgun and shot Patrolman Choate in the abdomen six times. The suspect was taken from the Miller County Jail by an angry mob and lynched.
Patrolman Choate had served with the Texarkana Police Department for ten years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq537qbfypnmqn67x6gd- 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.
Patrolman Choate gave the Texarkana Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Texarkana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Choate.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Texarkana Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 4 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Richard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 6.8% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 13.3%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Texarkana Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Texarkana Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Texarkana Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
