Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 11, 1996
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 10, 1996
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 20 gauge
Suspect Info: Shot and killed by other officers
Officer Dick Hobson was shot and killed, and his partner was shot and wounded after responding to the scene of a robbery.
Both officers were in the same patrol car and pursued a man down an alley near Second Street and Greenwood Avenue. When they couldn't find the suspect, they exited the vehicle and entered the alley on foot. As they continued their search, the suspect jumped out from behind a bush and shot at the officers with a 20 gauge shotgun. Officer Hobson, who was not wearing a vest, was struck in the chest and killed. His partner was struck in the leg.
Other officers who had responded to the scene returned fire and killed the suspect.
Officer Hobson was transported to Columbia Tulsa Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds the next morning.
Officer Hobson was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Tulsa Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his two young children, parents, four brothers, and a sister.
Dino, Officer Hobson's canine, was retired and given to his family.