Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross

Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross | Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas
Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas
Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross

Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, July 13, 1984

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Leonard E. Cross

Chief of Police Leonard Cross and Police Officer Roy Leon were shot and killed after stopping a 16-year-old juvenile on a stolen motorcycle.

During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Chief Cross' weapon and shot both officers. The juvenile offender was captured six hours later.

The juvenile has a long criminal record, mostly involving stolen motorcycles. Since 1978, he had served three terms in juvenile facilities. On February 14, 1985, he was convicted of two counts of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison. He has committed 28 major disciplinary violations.

The killing of Chief of Police Leonard Cross and Police Officer Roy Leon left the town without any full-time law enforcement officers.

Chief Cross had also served in the U.S. Army.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life imprisonment

juvenile, stolen vehicle

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Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

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