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Incident
Sergeant Donald Arnold was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery at a local service station. He routinely stopped at the station during his shift to check on the graveyard shift employees. When he arrived at the service station, four suspects took the attendant, 54, and hid in the bathroom. As Sergeant Arnold walked through the building, one of the suspects fired through the open door, striking Sergeant Arnold eight times. He was found with his service revolver still in its holster. The suspects then shot the attendant six times and fled the scene. On May 19, 1970, two suspects, 23 and 15, were arrested and charged in connection with the two murders. One suspect, 15, gave this account of what happened. He and four others decided to the service station attendant because he was there alone. Gunfire broke out after the unexpected arrival of Sergeant Arnold. They fled the scene, but minutes later the old car they were in broke down. Two in the party forced their was into a Sherman home and kidnapped a man, his wife, and their baby. The forced the couple to drive them to Dallas where the were released unharmed. Police were notified and an all out manhunt began. On December 8, 1972, the other two, both 23, were apprehended and charged with Sergeant Arnold's and the attendants murder. They were also charge with murder and robbery of a grocery store owner in Denison on May 29, 1972. Sergeant Arnold had served with the Sherman Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three young daughters.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Arnold gave the Sherman Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sherman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Arnold.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Sherman Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald 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 1969, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1969, 124 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1969, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 42. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Donald had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Donald was 42. 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. Donald had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Sherman Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Sherman Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Sherman Police Department are honored on badge.nw.