Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse

Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1973

Add to My Heroes

Arthur 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 24-year-old inmate, who was serving a life sentence for a 1970 murder, received another life sentence on August 15th, 1973, when convicted of murdering Officer Sprouse. He will be eligible for parole on July 1, 2029.

Office Sprouse had served with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction 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

escape attempt

Most Recent Reflection

View all 19 Reflections

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio, and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 24, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.