True Crime Chronicles' Parking dispute led to a struggle and the accidental shooting of a Berryville offcer
- Dennis McCaslin
- Jun 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Fifty-eight years ago, the close-knit community of Berryville in Carroll County suffered a profound loss when Patrolman Charles L. Robbins of the Berryville Police Department was tragically killed in the line of duty.
On July 26, 1967, Robbins, aged 39, was accidentally shot during a struggle, leaving behind a legacy of service that continues to resonate in the town he served.
The incident unfolded in Berryville’s town square, the heart of the community. Robbins, a nine-year veteran of the police department, was assisting an Arkansas State Trooper in subduing a suspect.
DDuring the confrontation, the trooper struck the suspect with his service weapon, causing it to discharge unintentionally. The bullet fatally struck Robbins fatally in what cause a horrific scene in the center of town.
This tragic accident highlights the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers face, even in small towns where officers are often seen as neighbors and friends.
Charles L. Robbins was more than a badge; he was a devoted husband to his wife, Betty Robbins, and a loving father to their three children.
Robbins is laid to rest in Berryville Memorial Cemetery, Carroll County, Arkansas, as confirmed by the Arkansas Gravestones database.
His gravestone stands as a solemn tribute to his sacrifice, a place where the community can honor a fallen hero. The cemetery, a significant site for local history, preserves the memory of Robbins alongside other Berryville residents.
As Berryville continues to evolve, Patrolman Charles L. Robbins’ legacy endures as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve.
His story, preserved through the Officer Down Memorial Page and community memory, reminds us of the human cost of public safety.
