Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Thursday, August 23, 1934
Add to My HeroesLester E. Roland
Special Agent Lester Roland was shot and killed while patrolling the Southern Pacific Railroad's switching yards near Miller's Switch in Dallas, Texas.
He encountered two men approaching the railroad bridge over the Trinity River and stopped them to investigate what they were doing. The men stated they were going to river to go fishing. When Agent Lester asked to check their bags one of the men produced a .45 caliber handgun and shot him.
Agent Roland was taken to a local hospital where he died two days later. Both men were arrested on the day of Agent Roland's funeral and admitted to the shooting.
On September 13, 1934, the man, 62, who shot him was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He was paroled on March 30, 1948.
Special Agent Roland had served with the Southern Pacific Railroad Police for approximately three years. He was survived by his wife and brother.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Texas
- Incident Date Tuesday, August 21, 1934
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Paroled in 1948
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 23, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Bill Hooser
Santaquin Police Department, UT
EOW: May 5, 2024
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks
United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, US
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator William "Alden" Elliott
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator Samuel Poloche
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Joshua Eyer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Russell Croxton
Dubach Police Department, LA
EOW: April 27, 2024
Sergeant Ian Taylor
Billerica Police Department, MA
EOW: April 26, 2024
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024