Patrolman David E. Barnett

David E. Barnett

Patrolman David Barnett was shot and killed while trying to stop an armed robbery at a Waffle House at 7800 Scott Hamilton Road in Little Rock while off duty.

Around 2:30 a.m., a man walked into the Waffle House and sat at the counter. A few moments later, a subject wearing a ski mask and carrying a rifle walked in. When Patrolman Barnett attempted to disarm the subject, a struggle ensued. The man at the counter joined the struggle and began hitting Patrolman Barnett repeatedly. One of the men grabbed Patrolman Barnett's service gun and fired four shots before fleeing.

The 19-year-old killer was apprehended, convicted of capital murder, and sentenced to life without parole on October 23, 1991. The other subject, 17, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Patrolman Barnett had served with the Little Rock Police Department for three years. Survivors include his mother and two brothers.