In the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 13, 1991, a tragedy unfolded at a Waffle House located at 7800 Scott Hamilton Dr. in Little Rock, Arkansas, that would cut short the life of a dedicated police officer. David E. Barnett, a 33-year-old male patrolman with the Little Rock Police Department, was off-duty and dressed in plain clothes while having breakfast at approximately 2:25 a.m.
His quiet meal was violently interrupted when two individuals entered the restaurant with the intent to commit armed robbery.
Reacting to the perilous situation, Barnett attempted to intervene and stop the robbery from proceeding. A struggle ensued between the officer and one of the suspects. Tragically, during the confrontation, the second suspect fatally shot Patrolman Barnett, who died at the scene. His courageous actions in the face of grave danger marked his final moments.
The investigation into the death of Officer Barnett led to the swift apprehension of two suspects. Alvin Lamont Davis, who was 19 years old at the time, and his accomplice, 17-year-old Charles Lee Smith, were arrested and charged with the crime. Justice was served when both individuals were convicted for their roles in the deadly robbery. Davis, identified as the killer, was convicted of capital murder and, on October 23, 1991, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Smith was also convicted of murder and received a life sentence for his involvement in the incident that led to the untimely death of an officer committed to protecting his community, even when not on duty.
