Patrolman Tobin Craig Thomas, Eagle Lake Police Department, Texas

Patrolman Tobin Craig Thomas

Eagle Lake Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Thursday, June 18, 1998

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Tobin Craig Thomas

Patrolman Tobin Thomas was shot and killed as he was investigating the scene of a murder at 12:40 am.

The suspect in that murder was hiding in some long brush near the scene and shot Patrolman Thomas in the back with a shotgun. Patrolman Thomas' vest stopped five pellets, and his belt stopped two. However, two pellets passed between his vest and his belt, one of which struck his spine and the other striking an artery, causing internal bleeding.

Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Thomas was able to return fire and killed the man.

Patrolman Thomas had served with the Eagle Lake Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, father, brother, and sister.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 2 years
Badge 307

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Shot and killed

ambush, murder suspect, homicide investigation

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Hey , Brother . You would be 59 tomorrow . 8/22/66 . It's weird that our birthdays were so close . 8/27/69 . So much water has gone under the bridge . Sometimes I resist visiting this page . I always have to feel feelings . Some good . Some not so much . Reading others posts about you makes me realize what a change you made in your life . When you got to Mertzon you became a confident , strong person . I remember hearing about a fight you had at beer can flats . A bully from the past showed up . You gave him two chances to leave you alone . He regretted not adhering to your polite warning . You made a difference in people's lives . While you were here , and after you went home . " No greater love does a man have than he would lay his life down for a friend " . I really dont know what to say . I miss you . I wonder where you would be today . What you would be doing . I love you .

Cpl . Gilbert Wade Thomas
Brother

August 21, 2025