New Mexico State Police, New Mexico
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 5, 1986
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 5, 1986
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Convicted of voluntary manslaughter
Patrolman Sherman Toler was shot and killed with his own weapon during a traffic stop on I-40 in Tucumcari. During the stop he requested to search the trunk of the suspect's vehicle and was granted permission.
During the search the suspect and Patrolman Toler began to argue and a struggle ensued in which both men fell to the ground.
The suspect gained control of Patrolman Toler's .357 caliber revolver, stood up, and shot Patrolman Toler five times at a range of five feet. Patrolman Toler's vest stopped several of the rounds. He then got up as well and pulled out a boot knife to defend himself, at which point the suspect struck him in the head with the revolver.
The suspect sped away but later turned himself in. It was determined that the suspect had his vehicle searched earlier in the day by another New Mexico State Police officer and had a history of fighting with police. He previously convicted of shooting a California officer during a traffic stop. The suspect was convicted of second voluntary manslaughter in connection with Patrolman Toler's murder. The man was sentenced to 17 years but was released after serving only eight years.
Patrolman Toler had served with the New Mexico State Police for seven years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.