Today we remember Miller County Deputy Charles Barnes for his service. We are forever grateful for his service.
As we commemorate National Police Week, we pause to honor those law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate price in the service to our community. This is the second installment in our series of posts to tell you the story of a local hero who made that sacrifice.
Late on March 31, 1984, Miller County Deputy Charles Barnes Sr. was shot and killed after he stopped to investigate a vehicle parked on the side of a county road off of Highway 196. As he talked to the three people in the vehicle, one of them said that he had to use the bathroom. Deputy Barnes told the man to step to the edge of the woods but to stay where he could still see him. As the other two distracted Deputy Barnes, the first man managed to sneak back to the car and get a rifle.
The three overpowered Deputy Barnes, put him on his knees, and then shot him execution-style. The suspects then stole his patrol car. Deputy Barnes was found by another deputy who responded to the scene after he failed to answer his radio.
One of the suspects was shot and killed in a shootout with officers the following day. The other two men were arrested and sentenced to prison.
Deputy Barnes was survived by his wife, son, mother, and brother.
Deputy Barnes, thank you for your service.