On a cold day in Lincoln, Arkansas, February 20, 1967, Deputy Sheriff Casto C. Robertson, a 56-year-old White male, was shot and killed in the line of duty. A military veteran, he had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for four years. The events that led to his death began when he and other deputies went to a residence to serve a warrant for a man who was accused of stealing several firearms.
The deputies had successfully taken the suspect into custody and placed him in a
patrol car. However, the situation took a sudden and tragic turn when the suspect's wife came out of the house, creating a distraction for the officers. Seizing this opportunity, the suspect, who had managed to conceal a. 22 caliber handgun on his person, drew the weapon. He opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Robertson and critically injuring another deputy.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed pursuit. Law enforcement officers were ultimately able to apprehend him. He was later convicted of the murder of Deputy Robertson and sentenced to life in prison, where he would eventually die. Deputy Robertson was survived by his wife and two sons.
