Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, April 18, 1978
Add to My HeroesThomas H. Pohlman
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Pohlman was shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest.
He was on patrol when he smelled ether coming from a home. Believing there was a clandestine PCP manufacturing lab, he requested assistance. He and his backup officer began checking the perimeter of the home when one subject fled on foot from inside. Deputy Pohlman chased the subject and was able to capture him in the backyard of 3434 Whiteside Street. During the ensuing struggle, the subject was able to gain control of Deputy Pohlman's revolver and shot him. Deputy Pohlman died at the scene.
The suspect, 19, was apprehended, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 11 years and 8 months on December 6, 1978.
Deputy Pohlman had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife and 5-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 11 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsI was one of Deputy Pohlman's Staff Instructor's at the Academy. Thanks for your service to Los Angeles County. RIP Tom
Sergeant, Robert S. Murcott, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
January 14, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022

Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 24, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Corey D. McElroy
Garrett County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: December 21, 2022

Detective Paul Daniel Newell
Benton County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: December 17, 2022

Chief of Police Joe Carey
Brodnax Police Department, VA
EOW: December 16, 2022