Prev
Incident
Police Officer William Toney was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a car theft suspect.
The incident had begun when another officer spotted a suspicious van and attempted to stop it. The driver of the van fled with the officer in pursuit. Officer Toney joined the pursuit and chased the van until it crashed in a residential neighborhood at the 700 block of Churchman Avenue. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot with Officer Toney in pursuit. During the foot chase on Fletcher Lane, the suspect turned and fired several shots, one of which struck Officer Toney in the throat above his bullet-resistant vest. He was able to return fire once but missed the suspect. Officer Toney was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Toney had served with the Beech Grove Police Department for two years, with the incident occurring one day before his 32nd birthday.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 18 months and four years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp7fen84syphc52d9672- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Toney gave the Beech Grove Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Beech Grove community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Toney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Beech Grove Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
William is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
William is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 2 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 31. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 31. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.7% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Fridays: 11%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Beech Grove Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Beech Grove Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Beech Grove Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
