Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas
On June 22, 2022, Detention Officer Jeremiah Story was processing a subject into the Perry County Detention Center, who had been arrested for driving while intoxicated.
He and a trustee took the subject into the restroom to supervise as he changed into jail-issued clothing. The subject became combative with Officer Story, before pulling out a small caliber handgun from between his legs and shooting Officer Story in the chest.
Two deputies ran into the restroom and utilized a stun gun, striking the subject twice, with no effect. After a scuffle, the deputies were able to gain control.
Officer Story was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Officer Story was an athlete in high school who knew he wanted to serve his country.
Following graduation in 2018, he enlisted in the Army. After returning home, he began working for Perry County Sheriff’s Office. He had served the department for two years.
While Officer Story worked the jail at night, he continued to go to college during the day.
Friends remember him as a person of faith who brought his bible to school and preached that they “should always have faith, no matter what.”
The community remembers the positive attitude that Officer Story had and his willingness to always lend a hand to so many in his small community. “When you heard Jeremiah’s name, it was usually in church and him helping the youth. Or on the football field helping the younger kids,” a friend remembers.
Arkansas U.S. Senator Tom Cotton paid tribute to Officer Story on the Senate floor “Officer Story’s example lives on. Those who knew him, and those who will hear of him, can draw inspiration from a life well lived. In 21 short years, Officer Story did more good and spread more joy than countless others blessed with many more years on this earth. May God bless and keep Officer Jeremiah Story and may God console his family and friends in this time of grief.”
Officer Story’s family was escorted at PROJECT 2000 XXXIV by Officer Joe Menezes.