In May of 1922, Patrolman Richard Choate, a ten-year veteran of the Texarkana Police Department, was involved in an incident that would tragically end his life. While accompanying the police chief in escorting a robbery suspect, events took a violent turn. The suspect was being taken to a location where he claimed to have concealed the stolen goods.
Without any warning, the suspect produced a hidden handgun and fired at Patrolman Choate, shooting him six times in the abdomen.
The grievous injuries sustained in the attack proved to be fatal for the officer. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
Following the shooting, the suspect was apprehended and taken to the Miller County Jail. However, the story did not end there. A vigilante mob, angered by the killing of the officer, took the suspect from the jail and lynched him.
