Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bobby Williams was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle on West Beecher Road in Adrian at 6:25 a.m. Three men were just involved in a robbery and kidnapping of a gas station attendant, and a description of the vehicle was broadcast to local areas. Patrolman Williams spotted the vehicle matching the description and pulled over the car. The driver shot him as he approached the vehicle. Patrolman Williams was able to return fire, striking a tire. The occupants abandoned the car and were apprehended a short time later. Patrolman Williams was transported to University Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he succumbed to his wounds. The shooter, 31, was sentenced to life without parole. A juvenile was sentenced to 5- 50 years. The third, 18, was sentenced to life without parole. In 2024, he was resentenced after laws were changed prohibiting adolescents from receiving life without parole sentences. He was granted parole. Patrolman Williams was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Adrian Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and son. A part of West Beecher Street, from South Main Street to South Madison Street in Adrian, was renamed the "Patrolman Bobby Lynn Memorial Highway."
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-152A0961- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Williams gave the Adrian Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Adrian community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Bobby Lynn Williams served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Bobby Lynn Williams is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Adrian Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bobby Lynn Williams's cause is highlighted.
How Bobby Lynn Williams Compares
Offender Outcome
Life without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bobby Lynn Williams is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bobby Lynn Williams was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Adrian Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
