JPSO Detective Stephen Arnold Died Of His Injuries Sustained While On Duty

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From the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto announced that a twelve-year sheriff’s veteran, JPSO Detective Stephen Arnold, died of injuries he sustained on duty on January 26, 2016.

While working as a Narcotics Detective for the DEA task force, Detective Arnold was shot five times while serving a warrant in the 3500 block of Douglas Street in New Orleans, with 11 other officers. Detective Arnold sustained injuries in the neck, torso, and arm, all of which were gunshot wounds. He received intensive treatment for his injuries until the time of his passing.

“Detective Arnold remained in a coma until passing away from his wounds on May 23rd, 2021,” states the Officer Down Memorial Page.

DEA Special Agent In Charge Keith Brown said, “as they made entry, shots were fired, and Deputy Arnold, a federal task force member, was critically wounded.” The spokeswoman for the DEA on the investigation at the time, Special Agent Debbie Webber, confirmed that Detective Arnold was wearing a bullet-proof vest when he entered the home.

Sheriff Lopinto said in this Facebook statement, “the suspect was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to several charges related to the initial investigation and his shooting of Detective Arnold. He is currently serving a 35-year sentence in a federal facility.

The Jefferson Parish Sherriff, at the time, Newell Normand, said that Detective Arnold “went a period of time when he was not breathing.”

Normand said that Arnold was well-liked on the job and that “he’s just one of those guys who wish you had a hell of a lot more of.”

Detective Arnold, a decorated officer with two Distinguished Service Awards and an Award for Valor, was honored with a Purple Heart award after his injury. In addition, Stephen Arnold will be awarded the JPSO Medal of Honor posthumously.

Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson parroted Normand’s words for Arnold, saying, “He’s a great guy who everyone loves. Chief Lawson called Detective Arnold “a dedicated officer.”

Current Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said that Detective Arnold’s “commitment to serving our community was the standard” that all law enforcement “strive to meet.”

Jefferson Parish Sherriff Lopinto said, “During his time with JPSO, Detective Arnold was well-known and held in the highest regard by his peers. His commitment to serving our community was the standard we all strive to meet. He received several commendations for his service.”

Funeral arrangements are currently being made and will be announced early in the week.”

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