Sonny Smith - Law Enforcement Fatality - Arkansas

Reserve Deputy Sonny Smith, age 42, of Clarksville, died in the line of duty on May 15, 2015, at a hospital in Johnson County, Arkansas. 

Sonny Smith (L); Fred Kaufield (Kauffeld) (R)

Johnson County is in northwest Arkansas.

Deputy Smith was a Reserve Deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.  He had eleven years of service. 

At about 2:30 a.m., Deputy Smith and several other deputies were searching for a burglary suspect 15 miles east of Clarksville. 

Sonny confronted the subject and the subject commenced firing.  During the exchange of gunfire, Sonny was struck.  The suspect received only minor injuries.  

Sonny was transported to a local hospital where tragically he succumbed to his

Michael, Archangel, Patron Saint of the Police, pray for
Sonny and for those who have lost him.

injuries. 

The suspect, Fred Kaufield, (also reported as "Kauffeld"), was taken into custody. 

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is in mourning over the death of their brother. Sonny will be forever remembered.

Sonny's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Sonny is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife and children.

Thank you for your service to the community, Sonny. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

God save us from the Lost Ones who bring death to strangers. Amen.

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