Patrolman Thomas Glen Tompkins

Thomas Glen Tompkins

Patrolman Thomas Tompkins was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to jail around 9:40 p.m.

The man had just been arrested by other officers for creating a disturbance at the Dragon Lounge. During the initial investigation, the suspect was placed in the patrol car without being searched or cuffed. It is believed that while in the patrol car, he put the handgun he was carrying in the crack between the seats of the vehicle. He was then removed from the patrol car, searched, handcuffed, and returned to the car.

Patrolman Tompkins was pulling away from the scene when the suspect pulled the gun from between the seats and shot him around the 7300 block of Mansfield Road. The officer fell out of the driver's door, and the suspect climbed over the driver's seat and exited the vehicle as well.

The man, who was an escapee from a state prison in Maryland, fled but was later apprehended after being shot and wounded by other officers. He was convicted of murdering Patrolman Tompkins, sentenced to death, and executed.

Patrolman Tompkins had served with the Shreveport Police Department for eight months. He was survived by his wife and two children.