Patrolman Robert G. Steele

Robert G. Steele

Trooper Bob Steele was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a vehicle that had just been used in a robbery in the city of Billings, Montana.

They observed a vehicle matching the description pull off of Highway 10 and turn its lights off. Trooper Steele and a fellow trooper, riding together, pulled in behind the vehicle. Trooper Steele approached on the passenger's side with his gun drawn. One of the occupants suddenly turned and shot Trooper Steele in the throat, killing him.

Trooper Steele's partner shot and killed the suspect. The driver of the vehicle then jumped out of the vehicle and exchanged shots with the partner. Both were wounded in the shootout. The second suspect fled but was apprehended after an 11-hour manhunt. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Despite escaping prison, he was granted parole. While on parole, he was convicted of burglary and returned to prison.

Patrolman Steele was a WWII veteran and had been with the Montana Highway Patrol for six years. He had returned to the police force from WWII only two months before his murder. He was survived by his sister, three nieces, and a nephew.