Assistant Chief Robert Henry Potter, Tulia Police Department, Texas

Assistant Chief Robert Henry Potter

Tulia Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, December 25, 1960

Robert Henry Potter

Chief Potter was shot and killed by three burglary suspects. Chief Potter observed three men inside a local cafe. He approached the building and broke the window, fired two shots into the air and ordered the men to drop their guns. One suspect exited the rear of the cafe and snuck up behind Chief Potter and shot him.

All three suspects were arrested. They had escaped from the Madison County, Indiana, Jail six days earlier. All three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Two died in prison, one on September 13, 1986, and the other on January 3, 1987.

Chief Potter had been with the agency for eight months and was survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life in prison

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Most Recent Reflection

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I went to school with Bob's oldest son Bruce and younger son Danny. Bruce was devastated by his father's death. We have a memorial to Bob in the Swisher County Museum. His daughter and granddaughter still live here in Tulia

Director - Sally Murrell
Swisher County Museum

April 16, 2016