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Bell County Sheriff's deputy killed during vehicle pursuit

Posted at 7:27 AM, Apr 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-28 15:41:20-04

BELL COUNTY — 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 an 18-wheeler and 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 suspect vehicle in the pursuit was located in Waco by the Waco Police Department, according to Temple PD. The vehicle had been abandoned and no suspect was located.

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.

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.

The Temple Police Department is the lead investigative agency in the April 26 death of Bell County Sheriff's Deputy John Rhoden.

Initially, Temple PD was only going to assist in the investigation, but since TPD worked the accident scene, it was later determined it would be best for TPD to complete the investigation. Belton PD was on scene to assist as well. The Texas Rangers will be assisting throughout the investigation.

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.