Patrolman John Tillman Hussey

Patrolman John Tillman Hussey | Springdale Police Department, Arkansas
Springdale Police Department, Arkansas
Patrolman John Tillman Hussey

Springdale Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Sunday, December 21, 1975

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John Tillman Hussey

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. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 22
  • Tour 1 month
  • Badge 310

Incident Details

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

abducted

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Yesterday was the anniversary. No, I didn’t forget. Will never forget John. But you have been joined by many who worked with you Ian SPD. Truman and Karl. We lost two good men who were good cops. Now SPD has over 150 and while probably no one there ever met you, you life had meaning to them. A special chair dedicated to you sits in the new briefing room. A highway bears your name. I was given a tour of a new Police Dept building and young people asked me about you and that night. And in my mind I could remember R I P and my time will come as well to join you and all the others who made SPD a great department

Lt Denny Upton (Ret)
Springdale Police Dept. Worked with Off John Hussey

December 22, 2021

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