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

Add to My Heroes

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

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 16 Reflections

Chef Cross,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 13, 2024