Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1973

Arthur Sprouse

Officer Sprouse was shot and killed by an inmate who was able to obtain a firearm. The inmate then held three guards hostage for more than an hour. When guards rushed the suspect and subdued him, Officer Gary Underwood was accidentally shot and killed by one of the guards.

A guard who had recently been fired was charged with smuggling the gun to the inmate. The inmate, who was serving a life sentence for murder, received another life sentence August 15, 1973, when convicted of murdering Officer Sprouse.

Office Sprouse had served with the agency for 11 months. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 11 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Officer Sprouse,
On today, the 44th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow CO who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of the state of Ohio. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 24, 2017