West Fork Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch: Friday, March 20, 1981
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 20, 1981
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
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.