Patrolman Ollie D. Thomas
Des Moines Police Department
Iowa

End of Watch: Thursday, August 20, 1925
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 266

Patrolman Ollie Thomas was shot and killed while on duty. Another officer was on routine patrol when he heard a gunshot wound near 3rd and Locust. Knowing that Patrolman Thomas often parked his cruiser there, he rushed to the scene. He found Patrolman Thomas lying dead on the roof of a nearby building.

The suspect was eventually arrested in New Jersey and claimed he shot Patrolman Thomas during a domestic dispute. He was able to plea bargain for a lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Patrolman Thomas had served with the agency for 2 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

 
Photograph: Patrolman Ollie D. Thomas

Patch image: Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

Visit Patrolman Thomas's memorial at www.ODMP.org