Incident
Officer Robert Bolton was shot and killed while attempting to question a man during a domestic disturbance. He had been called to a women's shelter where a married man was attempting to see his girlfriend. As Officer Bolton arrived, the man was attempting to enter his vehicle. Officer Bolton unsuccessfully attempted to stop him. The suspect was able to grab a .357 revolver from the vehicle and shoot him. Officer Bolton returned fire as the suspect fled. Office Bolton was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. After a short pursuit, the suspect was captured and convicted. He later died in prison. Officer Bolton had served with the Eau Claire Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-C02013C7- 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.
Officer Bolton gave the Eau Claire Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eau Claire community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Bolton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Robert Paul Bolton 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 WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Eau Claire 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. Robert Paul Bolton's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Paul Bolton Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Paul Bolton is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Paul Bolton was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Eau Claire Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
