Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas was shot to death while arresting three burglary suspects. Patrolman Thomas was investigating a burglary when he went to Bell's Tavern, in the Lincoln Edition of Clinton. He arrested three suspects in the bar and began to walk them out the front door. One of the suspect's father approached the patrolman with a .32 caliber pistol and shot him four times in the chest before he could react. The 51-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 1964.
Survivors
Patrolman Thomas was survived by is wife who lived just blocks from where her husband was killed.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-C9A4DD16- 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 Thomas served with the Clinton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Clinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Otto 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Clinton 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. Otto Thomas's cause is highlighted.
How Otto Thomas Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1964
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Otto Thomas is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Otto Thomas was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Clinton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
