Sergeant Richard “Sam” Howard
Sergeant Richard “Sam” Howard
Kissimmee Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, August 19, 2017
Bio & Incident Details
Age: 36
Tour: 10 years
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 8/18/2017
Weapon: Handgun
Offender: Charged with murder
Sergeant Sam Howard and Police Officer Matthew Baxter were shot and killed while responding to reports of three suspicious people in the area of Palmway Street and Cypress Street at approximately 9:30 pm.
They were speaking to the men when a scuffle ensued and both officers shot. Both were transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center where Officer Baxter was pronounced dead. Sergeant Howard passed away the following afternoon.
The subject who shot him was arrested approximately two hours after the shooting by members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Two handguns were found in his possession when he was arrested.
Sergeant Howard had served with the Kissimmee Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:
Chief of Police Jeff O’Dell
Kissimmee Police Department
8 North Stewart Ave
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 847-0176
