A Bell County Sheriffs deputy was killed in the line of duty last night in Temple.
Deputy John Andrew Rhoden was part of a team assisting Williamson County Sheriffs during a stolen vehicle pursuit around 1:40 a.m. on I-35. While Deputy Rhoden was attempting to lay spike strips on the interstate he was hit by a car and was killed.
Temple Police say Rhoden was struck by an 18-wheeler while attempting to lay spike strips near Exit 294 of northbound I-35.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has released the following statement:
We offer our deepest condolences to the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, the Rhoden family, and the community who are suffering the loss of a beloved sheriff deputy. Every day, the family of our officers watch their loved one leave the safety of their home to protect us, not knowing if they will return.
We stand and grieve with Sheriff Deputy Rhoden’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Deputy Rhoden will be escorted to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office in Dallas by members of the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, including some from his patrol shift. The investigation that led to the loss of Deputy Rhoden is being conducted by the Temple Police Department, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bell County Sheriff’s Department.
Rhoden was 31 years old and had served with the Bell County Sheriffs department for 10 years.
Deputy Rhoden’s Father, Michael Rhoden, was also an employee of the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, as a Correctional Officer, from March of 1996 until March of 1998, when he left to further his career in law enforcement with the Belton Police Department.
The 100 Club of Central Texas says they have activated their Survivor Fund in response to Rhoden’s death. Find out how to send donations and messages of support here.
— KXXV 25