Chief of Police Paul Herman Mueller

Paul Herman Mueller

Chief of Police Paul Mueller was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Highway 71.

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. The second man fled but was shot and killed several days later in a shootout with officers.

The wounded subject was arrested and convicted of capital murder.

Chief Mueller had served with the West Fork Police Departmentfor six years.