Chief of Police Paul Herman Mueller

Chief of Police Paul Herman Mueller

West Fork Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, March 20, 1981

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Paul Herman Mueller

Chief of Police Paul Mueller was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Highway 71, 1/2 mile south of West Fork at 11 pm.

Chief Mueller had pulled the car over as a suspected drunk driver, and the occupants were two criminals who had just robbed the Pizza Hut in Fayetteville at gunpoint. One of the men had just been released from the federal penitentiary.

While approaching the vehicle, the subjects opened fire on him, striking him in the chest. Before succumbing to his wounds, Chief Mueller was able to return fire and wounded one of the men. Chief Mueller was found by gasoline attendants next to his patrol car with lights still on and the engine still running.

The second man fled but was shot and killed several days later in a shootout with officers.

The wounded subject was found near Chief Mueller. Once shot, the second subject pushed him out of the vehicle onto an embankment. He was convicted of capital murder.

Chief Mueller had served with the West Fork Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

parolee, suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 25 Reflections

I had the recent privilege of attending the viewing service of fallen Police Chief Paul Muellers wife Myrrah in Prairie Grove AR. Over the years I have witnessed her deep Love and conviction for her Faith, Family, Police, Military, and Country. Go be with your husband and rest high on that mountain.

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So he put His arms around you
And whispered “Come to me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you
As you slowly slipped away
And though we loved you dearly
We couldn’t make you stay.

Your golden heart stopped beating
Your tired hands put to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

Frances and Kathleen Coelho

Kenneth Ingalls, Retired Police Officer
Greenland Police Department

September 9, 2022

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