Robert Edward Arnow, a 33-year-old white male, met a tragic end on June 18, 1921, in Gainesville, Florida. Deputy Sheriff Arnow was attempting to arrest a man for carrying a concealed weapon when the incident occurred. Accompanied by a local police chief, Arnow approached the suspect, whom he knew and believed he could persuade to surrender peacefully.
When Arnow asked the suspect if he had a weapon, the man responded affirmatively but instead of handing it over, he drew a .32 caliber pistol hidden under his coat and fired five shots at Arnow. Four of these shots struck Arnow, with one hitting his neck and breaking his spinal column.
Despite the police chief's efforts to return fire at the fleeing suspect, Arnow succumbed to his injuries on June 20, 1921, at the Williams Sanitarium in Gainesville after undergoing surgery to locate the bullet. Arnow's death left behind a grieving family, including his wife, three sons, and his mother.
The suspect in the shooting was apprehended and faced justice for his actions. He was ultimately convicted and hanged in 1922 for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Robert Edward Arnow. This case highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face and the ultimate sacrifice they sometimes make in the line of duty. The community of Gainesville and the Alachua County Sheriff's Office mourned the loss of a dedicated officer who gave his life in the service of others.
