Dates: February 3, 1977-December 15, 2022
The Tragedy:
Sergeant Donald Scoby lost his life while in pursuit of an individual who fled from a traffic stop which initiated a vehicle chase. Eventually, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and continued to flee on foot. Determined to apprehend him, Sergeant Scoby chased him, but tragically, the suspect turned and fired at Sergeant Scoby, fatally injuring him.
Following this incident, the suspect sought refuge within a residence, leading to a standoff with a SWAT team. The situation continued to escalate, resulting in a gunfire exchange which ultimately killed the suspect. During this exchange another officer was also injured.
Sergeant Scoby was an esteemed member of the Stuttgart Police Department and had dedicated the past four years to serving the community.
More info:
katv : One Stuttgart Officer dead
The Service:
Sergeant Donald Scoby was honored at Grand Prairie Center following a procession led by a blue hearse and dozens of law enforcement vehicles.
Longtime friend, Lisa Frazier stated, “It’s one of your core people that you depend on, and that, you know, would do anything for anybody. It just rips your heart out.”
Dewitt Chief of Police, Steven Bobo, remembered Scoby’s personality more than anything, “He was just always happy just all the time. I mean he was always around joking with someone, giving them the shirt off his back.”
The service concluded with a three-volley salute.
More info:
thv11 : Remembering Sergeant Donald Scoby
stuttgartdailyleader : Obituary
thv11 : Crowds gather to remember Sergeant Donald Scoby
kark.com : Family and friends gather for funeral
The Justice:
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Jacob Cole Barnes and was killed by SWAT members the same night as Sergeant Scoby. Following this incident, it was revealed that Barnes had previously been arrested for felony aggravated assault for threatening a police officer with an AR-15. Additionally, he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, refusal to submit to arrest, and disorderly conduct. This all took place in April of 2022.
In June 2022, Barne’s wife filed an order of protection for herself and her daughter. According to her, Barnes had been diagnosed with psychosis but refused to take his medication. In the months preceding the incident with Scoby, Barnes was extremely paranoid and acted irrationally which contributed to his first arrest, along with drug usage.
More info:
nwaonline : Stuttgart officer’s suspected killer had mental, legal woes
Delivery:
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