Richmond Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Sunday, September 30, 1934
Add to My HeroesWilliam A. Toot
Patrolman William Toot was shot and killed at the old city jail, below the Marshall Street Viaduct, when two inmates attempted to escape. The inmates had obtained two pistols that were concealed inside a baked turkey and attempted to shoot their way out.
The suspects, who were in jail for murdering a mail-driver, were captured in New York in January 1935. They were subsequently executed on February 2nd, 1935.
Police suspected that Anthony Cugino, member of the infamous Tri-state gang, responsible for several murders in the northeast, sent the turkey to the suspects who were members of the gang. On September 9th, 1935, Cugino was arrested in New York City. He confessed to the murder of Policeman Charles Stockberger of the Philadelphia Police Department on July 14th, 1933. That night he hanged himself in his jail cell. He was also the primary suspect in the murder of Policeman James Garvey of the New York City Police Department on April 21st, 1934.
Patrolman Toot had served with the Richmond Police Department for 28 years.
Bio
- Age 58
- Tour 28 years
- Badge 43
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 1935
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsPatrolman Toot,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Richmond. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
September 30, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025