Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Rodney Thomas was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on the I-10 High Rise Bridge at approximately 1:00 am.
Officer Thomas was en route home following his shift when he was involved in a minor accident. He was still in uniform and put on his traffic vest to check on the other occupants of the vehicle. As he did so, a white Porsche driving recklessly entered the crash scene. As Officer Thomas attempted to signal the vehicle to stop, it struck him.
He was dragged a short distance before being thrown to the pavement.
Detectives discovered the vehicle in a body shop several days later. The driver and others -- including an occupant, the body shop owner, and more were arrested and charged in connection with Officer Thomas' death and the subsequent attempt to cover up evidence.
Ultimately, one suspect was sentenced to 20 years along with a life sentence for an unrelated murder, 2 others were sentenced to 20 years and 5 years probation, and a fourth man was given 1 year of probation. A fifth man was sentenced to 5 years.
Officer Thomas had served with the New Orleans Police Department for eight years and was assigned to the 2nd District.
Survivors
Survivors include wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-34836432- 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.
Police Officer II Thomas gave the New Orleans Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer II Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer II Rodney Renee Thomas 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Orleans Police Department, 86 of 128 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Rodney Renee Thomas's cause is highlighted.
How Rodney Renee Thomas Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Rodney Renee Thomas is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Rodney Renee Thomas was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
127 officers from New Orleans Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
