Incident
Chief of Police Tex Goyne was shot and killed at 2:45 am by a man who was wanted for writing a bad check. He attempted to arrest him during a traffic stop on the outskirts of New Salem. The man began to struggle and produced a .32 caliber handgun, which he used to fatally shot Chief Goyne. The man then committed suicide at the scene. Chief Goyne had served with the New Salem Police Department for four years. He had previously served with the Beach Police Department, Dickson Police Department, Garrison Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, and Stark County Sheriff's Office for a total of 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, two brothers, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-431CE4ED- 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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Goyne gave the New Salem Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Goyne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Punny Arthur "Tex" Goyne 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 ND, 39 of 61 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Salem 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. Punny Arthur "Tex" Goyne's cause is highlighted.
How Punny Arthur "Tex" Goyne Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Punny Arthur "Tex" Goyne is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Punny Arthur "Tex" Goyne was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from New Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
