Madera Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, September 24, 1953
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 24, 1953
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Thomas was shot and killed by a grocery store owner as he and other officers entered his unlocked store to investigate a possible burglary. The officers were unaware that the owner was living in the back of the store. The owner said he opened fire because he thought the officers were burglars.