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Incident
Police Officer Rob Targosz died from injuries received the previous day when a drunk driver struck his motorcycle at the intersection of Price Road and Apache Boulevard in Tempe.
The collision occurred when the drunk driver passed several stopped cars and ran a red light. After the collision, the driver and a passenger both fled the scene. The driver was later captured, and the passenger was taken into custody after returning to the scene.
Officer Targosz was taken to Scottsdale Osborne Healthcare Hospital, where he died in surgery at approximately 1:30 am.
In January 2008, the subject plead guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years without the possibility of parole plus five years of post-release probation.
Officer Targosz had served with the Gilbert Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, two sisters, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Targosz gave the Gilbert Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gilbert community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Targosz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gilbert Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2006, 1 officer in AZ was killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 2006, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2006, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 37. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Sundays: 11.3%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Gilbert Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 2.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Gilbert Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Gilbert Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
