Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross, Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas

Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross

Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, July 13, 1984

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Leonard E. Cross

Chief of Police Leonard Cross and Police Officer Roy Leon were shot and killed after stopping a 16-year-old juvenile on a stolen motorcycle.

During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Chief Cross' weapon and shot both officers. The juvenile offender was captured six hours later.

The juvenile has a long criminal record, mostly involving stolen motorcycles. Since 1978, he had served three terms in juvenile facilities. On February 14, 1985, he was convicted of two counts of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison. He has committed 28 major disciplinary violations.

The killing of Chief of Police Leonard Cross and Police Officer Roy Leon left the town without any full-time law enforcement officers.

Chief Cross had also served in the U.S. Army.

Bio

Age 40
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life imprisonment

juvenile offender, stolen vehicle

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I know it's been 41 years but I don't understand how is he going up for parole next week 2 officer were killed that day everyday I sit and think how will my life be if I had a father

Lashonda leon
Daughter of Roy Leon

October 24, 2025