Fayette Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Saturday, June 7, 2003
Add to My HeroesArnold Gunther Strickland
Officer Arnold Strickland and Corporal Crump were shot and killed at 5:30 am when a suspect grabbed the service weapon of one of the officers and opened fire.
The officers were booking the suspect at the police department for operating a stolen vehicle when the incident occurred. Besides killing both officers, the suspect also shot and killed Dispatcher Leslie "Ace" Mealer, who was in the dispatcher's office at the time. The suspect then stole a patrol car and fled the scene. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi, apprehended the subject three hours later. The suspect was convicted of capital murder and was sentenced to death on October 6, 2005.
The Fayette Police Department is a 14-person law enforcement agency.
Officer Strickland had 26 years of law enforcement experience and had served with the Fayette Police Department for three years. He is survived by his three sons, two granddaughters, and three brothers.
Bio
- Age 55
- Tour 26 years
- Badge 108
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 179 ReflectionsI dated Arnold over 40 years ago. For some reason, I had to look this up and remember him. Arnold was fun, kind, loving and honorable. I remember him fondly and am so sorry for his family, fellow officers and friends. I pray Arnold is walking the streets of gold with our Lord. Goodbye Arnold. I'll never forget you. RIP
Patty Prince Barr
Friend
June 16, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025