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Incident
Patrolman Tony Patterson was shot and killed while conducting a drug raid on a house near Washburn University around 3:00 a.m. In his attempt to ram the suspect's door, a piece of the door panel was broken out, and the suspect then fired a shot through the hole in the door, striking Patrolman Patterson. Although he was wearing his bullet-resistant vest, the shot entered through his left arm and continued through his left side, killing him. Unsuccessful attempts were made by fellow officers and paramedics to revive Patrolman Patterson. The suspect was shot in the leg by return fire from another officer involved in the raid. The suspect was acquitted of the murder of Patrolman Patterson. He was found guilty of battery against a law enforcement officer for pointing his weapon at Patrolman Patterson's partner. He was also found guilty of several drug charges. The man never served any time in prison for the murder of Patrolman Patterson. Patrolman Patterson had served with the Topeka Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Patterson gave the Topeka Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Topeka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Patterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Topeka Police Department has lost 10 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Tony is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Tony is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Tony is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1995, 1 officer at Topeka Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 2012, with 2.
In 1995, 2 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1995, 96 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1995, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Tony was 31. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Topeka Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47.5; the middle age was 36. Tony had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Tony was 31. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Tony had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Tony was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Tony had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Tony was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Tony had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 16.7% of these deaths at Topeka Police Department; December holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
October holds 10.1% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 8.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 10 deaths at Topeka Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Topeka Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Tony among them.
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Caswell S. Matthews
May 5, 1912
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Clarence L. Shields
Apr 11, 1955
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Marcus W. Hood
Nov 1, 1974
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James Michael Buffum Sep 13, 1975
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Tony Ray Patterson
Oct 12, 1995
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Charles Joseph Bohlender, Jr.
Jun 13, 2000
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Jeff William Howey
Jun 13, 2000
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David Scott Gogian
Dec 16, 2012
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Jeffrey Glenn Atherly
Dec 16, 2012
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Jason Eugene Harwood
Sep 7, 2014
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Topeka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
