Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1973
Add to My HeroesArthur Sprouse
Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse was shot and killed by an inmate who was able to obtain a firearm at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville.
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 on August 15th, 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
Related LODD Deaths
Correctional Officer Gary P. Underwood
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, OH
EOW: July 24, 1973
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police
July 24, 2018
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