Rockland Police Department, Maine
End of Watch: Saturday, June 14, 1879
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: June 11, 1879
Weapon Used: Blunt object; Wrench
Suspect Info: Pardoned in 1913
Officer James Robbins died from injuries sustained three days earlier when he was struck in the head by an escaping prisoner. They were inside the jail when the 17 year old suspect hit him with a iron stove wrench and then escaped. The prisoner was recaptured six days later in Isleboro.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to prison on September 22, 1879. He was pardoned by Governor Haines on August 9, 1913.
Officer Robbins was survived by his wife. He was a Union Civil War Veteran having served as a Sergeant with the 2nd Maine Calvary, Company E.