Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Tobin Thomas was shot and killed as he was investigating the scene of a murder at 12:40 am. The suspect in that murder was hiding in some long brush near the scene and shot Patrolman Thomas in the back with a shotgun. Patrolman Thomas' vest stopped five pellets, and his belt stopped two. However, two pellets passed between his vest and his belt, one of which struck his spine and the other striking an artery, causing internal bleeding. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Thomas was able to return fire and killed the man. Patrolman Thomas had served with the Eagle Lake Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, father, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-46BE63D0- 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 gave the Eagle Lake Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eagle Lake 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 Tobin Craig 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 TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Eagle Lake Police Department, 3 of 5 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. Tobin Craig Thomas's cause is highlighted.
How Tobin Craig Thomas Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tobin Craig Thomas is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tobin Craig Thomas was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Eagle Lake Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
