Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Bob Steele was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a vehicle that had just been used in a robbery in the city of Billings, Montana. They observed a vehicle matching the description pull off of Highway 10 and turn its lights off. Trooper Steele and a fellow trooper, riding together, pulled in behind the vehicle. Trooper Steele approached on the passenger's side with his gun drawn. One of the occupants suddenly turned and shot Trooper Steele in the throat, killing him. Trooper Steele's partner shot and killed the suspect. The driver of the vehicle then jumped out of the vehicle and exchanged shots with the partner. Both were wounded in the shootout. The second suspect fled but was apprehended after an 11-hour manhunt. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Despite escaping prison, he was granted parole. While on parole, he was convicted of burglary and returned to prison. Patrolman Steele was a WWII veteran and had been with the Montana Highway Patrol for six years. He had returned to the police force from WWII only two months before his murder.
Survivors
He was survived by his sister, three nieces, and a nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MT-573C7658- 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 Steele gave the Montana Highway Patrol 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Montana, 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
Robert G. Steele served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Robert G. Steele 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 MT, 93 of 142 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.5% of this state's fallen. That is 11.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Montana Highway Patrol, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert G. Steele's cause is highlighted.
How Robert G. Steele Compares
Offender Outcome
One shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert G. Steele is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert G. Steele was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Montana Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
