Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant James Boyle was shot and killed as he and another officer questioned three suspicious men they had observed near some railroad boxcars on Erie Street at 3:15 am. As Sergeant Boyle approached them, the other officer went around the block to prevent them from fleeing. The suspects walked away and were located in front of a nearby bakery. As Sergeant Boyle began to question them, one of the men produced a revolver and opened fire, striking Sergeant Boyle. The other officer returned fire, striking the man in the leg. Sergeant Boyle was taken to St. Vincent Hospital, where he died later that day. The suspects were apprehended a short time later after fleeing the scene. The shooter, who said it was an accident, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years. He was paroled on February 16, 1912. Charges against the other two were dismissed. Sergeant Boyle had served with the Toledo Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, mother, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-FB6D1B67- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Boyle gave the Toledo Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Toledo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Boyle.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant James Francis Boyle 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Toledo Police Dept., 25 of 32 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Francis Boyle's cause is highlighted.
How James Francis Boyle Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1912
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Francis Boyle is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Francis Boyle was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
31 officers from Toledo Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
