Abilene Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Saturday, July 27, 1929
Age: 71
Tour of Duty: 40 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: July 27, 1929
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Chief Bob Burch was killed when his vehicle overturned as he pursued another vehicle near Trent, Texas.
A woman had filed a complaint with the chief that her purse had been stolen by a man in a cafe in Merkel. During a conversation the woman had the suspect prior to the theft, he had told her he lived in Trent.
As the chief and the woman drove towards Trent to speak to the man they observed him driving in the opposite direction. Chief Burch turned around and began pursuing the vehicle, but the man refused to stop. As the chief tried to pass the man his vehicle overturned. Chief Burch and the woman were both ejected from the vehicle. The woman was uninjured but the vehicle landed on top of the chief, causing fatal injuries.
Chief Burch had served as the elected police chief for only three months, but had served in law enforcement for over 40 years. He was survived by his wife and one son.