Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Probst was shot and killed as he and a private security detective investigated a suspicious sound from the rear of a building on Main Street, near Fallon Alley. As Patrolman Probst walked down a darkened alley a suspect shot him in the back twice, then fled. The suspect then exchanged shots with the private detective and another responding officer, but was able to escape. The suspect, and an accomplice, were eventually apprehended. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 1953. Patrolman Probst had served with the Lock Haven Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-2A11AC36- 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 Probst gave the Lock Haven Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lock Haven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Probst.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert W. Probst 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lock Haven Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert W. Probst's cause is highlighted.
How Robert W. Probst Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert W. Probst is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert W. Probst was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lock Haven Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
