New Jersey State Police, New Jersey
End of Watch Thursday, December 18, 1924
Add to My HeroesRobert E. Coyle
Trooper Robert Coyle was shot and killed in Somerset County as he and another trooper escorted a payroll robbery suspect to the Pluckemin Substation for questioning.
Troopers Coyle and his partner were escorting a payroll robbery suspect to the Pluckemin Substation for questioning. The two troopers sat in the front seat, leaving the suspect unattended in the back seat. While driving along the highway near Chimney Rock, adjacent to Bound Brook in Somerset County, the suspect suddenly shouted: “Hands Up!”
Trooper Coyle, who was riding in the passenger seat, turned and drew his service weapon. The suspect fired a blank directly into Trooper Coyle’s face. The prisoner then wrestled Trooper Coyle’s revolver from him and fired two shots into his back. Trooper Coyle died immediately. The suspect was able to disarm the other trooper and escaped, sparking a massive manhunt. He was later apprehended, confessed to the crime and executed.
Trooper Coyle had served with the New Jersey State Police for eight months. He had previously served with the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Army. He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 8 months
- Badge 238
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
December 19, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick H. "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021

Officer Troy Allen Adkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: December 31, 2020

Unit Team Supervisor Gabe Morales
Kansas Department of Corrections, KS
EOW: December 22, 2020