In the quiet town of Autaugaville, Alabama, a sense of duty led to a tragic end for a dedicated law enforcement officer. On April 19, 1986, Autauga County Reserve Deputy Chief John Robert Price, a 54-year-old male, was critically wounded in the line of duty. He and his partner, Deputy Ronald Fulton, were attempting to serve commitment papers to McArthur Motley, a local man described as a mentally ill veteran.
The encounter took a violent turn when Motley opened fire on the two deputies.
Deputy Price was struck by the gunfire, sustaining injuries that would ultimately prove fatal. In the ensuing chaos, law enforcement officers on the scene returned fire, and Motley was shot and killed.
For nearly three months, Deputy Price fought for his life. He was transported to a hospital in nearby Montgomery, where he received medical care for his extensive wounds. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, his condition did not improve. On July 13, 1986, John Robert Price succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a community to mourn his loss. His death stands as a somber reminder of the unforeseen dangers that law enforcement officers face while striving to protect and serve their communities. There were no arrests to be made in this case as the suspect was killed at the scene.
