Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch: Sunday, September 27, 1970
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 27, 1970
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with manslaughter
Officer Free was killed in an automobile accident while responding to backup an officer on a family disturbance call. During his response a vehicle turned in front of him. His cruiser glanced off of the car, struck a utility pole, and then struck a chain link fence. A piece of the fence entered the vehicle, fatally injuring Officer Free. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, and failing to render aid to an injured person.
Officer Free had been with the agency for one year.