Pete Richardson - Law Enforcement - Arkansas

Chief Deputy Sheriff Allen Ray “Pete” Richardson, age 50, died in the line of duty on March 17, 2014, on a highway west of Lewisville, Arkansas. 

Pete Richardson

Officer Richardson was a member of the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas.  He had 19 years of service.  

Just before 3:00 p.m., Officer Richardson was in his patrol vehicle driving a homeless man to a housing shelter in Texarkana when his vehicle collided with an SUV and a tractor trailer. 

Pete died at the scene.  The homeless man and the driver of the SUV were transported to a local hospital. The driver of the tractor-trailer was unhurt.  

Michael Ackart

It is believed that the homeless man, Michael Lee Ackart, age 28, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, had reached over and grabbed the steering wheel causing Pete to swerve into oncoming traffic. Ackart has been charged with second degree murder. 

 

Pete was a native of Howard County and attended Mineral Springs High School.  He received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and moved to Lafayette County in 1983. He began working for the Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and worked under five sheriffs. He became chief deputy in 2001.  He later returned to patrol deputy and was promoted to criminal investigator.  He was a candidate for Lafayette County Sheriff.   

The Sheriff's Office is in mourning over the death of their brother. 

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray for
Pete

Pete's loved ones are devastated by his tragic and senseless death.

Pete is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife, Melanie.

Thank you for your service to the public, Pete.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

Pray that Pete is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.