Plainville Police Department, Connecticut
End of Watch Monday, November 21, 1977
Add to My HeroesRobert Michael "Bob" Holcomb
Patrolman Robert Holcomb was shot and killed while answering a residential burglary call.
Patrolman Holcomb was on a residential burglary call at a home in Plainville when two men ran out of the house. Patrolman Holcomb chased one man, who was waiting for him in the woods across the street. The burglar shot him once in the arm and then stood over him and fired four more shots into his chest. Patrolman Holcomb died shortly after at New Britain General Hospital.
The 33-year-old suspect was convicted of Patrolman Holcomb's murder and sentenced to life. On January 9, 2015, he was granted a parole that was quickly revoked after an outraged family and police, who were not notified of the hearing, expressed their disappointment. He will be considered for parole again in 2020.
He was not paroled in 2020. As of December 15, 2022, he was in prison.
Patrolman Holcomb had served with the Plainville Police Department for 5 years. He is survived by his wife and a 3-year-old son.
A street in Plainville was later renamed Robert Holcomb Way in his memory.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 9
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 39 ReflectionsI was a ten year old in the neighboring town of Southington and I remember hearing about Officer Holcomb's ambush and murder. It always made me so sad because it was so close and also because my father had a business in Plainville, so I knew Plainville very well. All these decades later I still live in town and pretty regularly pass Robert Holcomb Way. It still makes me sad but please know I will never forget your service and sacrifice. My condolences to all who loved him. RIP Officer Holcomb.
Joan Ford
Civilian
November 23, 2025
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