Chief Deputy Tommy Kent Martin
Douglas County Sheriff's Department
Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Biographical Info
Age: 59
Tour of Duty: 29 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, June 21, 2007
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Chief Deputy Tommy Martin succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained one month earlier while investigating a home invasion robbery.

He was conducting a canvass for two suspects who had just committed a home invasion robbery and murder in Camargo. The suspects fled the victim's home in his pickup truck and the van of a second victim who interrupted the robbery.

Chief Deputy Martin spotted the two suspect vehicles, but before he could exit his patrol car, one of the men approached him and opened fire, hitting him in the face and chest.

The suspects then fled, leading police on a chase at up to 100 mph, firing at officers as they headed south on Interstate 57. The suspects exited at Arcola, heading west on Illinois 133. They crashed their vehicle as they crossed the railroad tracks just east of U.S. 45.

Officers immediately apprehended one suspect who was still in the van. The second suspect fled on foot and ran into a nearby bank, where he demanded cash from the bank employees and took some of them hostage. He later surrendered after a seven-hour standoff.

Chief Deputy Martin was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital where he died from his wounds one month later.

Chief Deputy Martin had served in law enforcement for 29 years.