Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Tony Patterson was shot and killed while conducting a drug raid on a house near Washburn University around 3:00 a.m. In his attempt to ram the suspect's door, a piece of the door panel was broken out, and the suspect then fired a shot through the hole in the door, striking Patrolman Patterson. Although he was wearing his bullet-resistant vest, the shot entered through his left arm and continued through his left side, killing him. Unsuccessful attempts were made by fellow officers and paramedics to revive Patrolman Patterson. The suspect was shot in the leg by return fire from another officer involved in the raid. The suspect was acquitted of the murder of Patrolman Patterson. He was found guilty of battery against a law enforcement officer for pointing his weapon at Patrolman Patterson's partner. He was also found guilty of several drug charges. The man never served any time in prison for the murder of Patrolman Patterson. Patrolman Patterson had served with the Topeka Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-937C515B- 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.
Patrolman Patterson gave the Topeka Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Topeka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Patterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Tony Ray Patterson 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 KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Topeka Police Department, 6 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Tony Ray Patterson's cause is highlighted.
How Tony Ray Patterson Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted of murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tony Ray Patterson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tony Ray Patterson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Topeka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
