Robert M. Holcomb

Officer

Plainville

End of Watch: 11/21/1977

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Officer Holcomb was killed in the line of duty when he was assigned to a burglary in progress. He took one of the burglars into custody, but the suspect shot him with a revolver he had hidden.

Officer Robert M. Holcomb was killed in the line of duty on November 21, 1977. On that date, shortly after 5 p.m., Officer Holcomb was assigned to a burglary in progress. When he arrived he noticed that the back door was forced open. Looking inside he noticed two burglars gathering valuable property. Apparently, the burglars noticed Officer Holcomb on guard at the back door, while he waited for backup. On burglar threw himself through the window making good his escape. The second burglar ran out the front door with Officer Holcomb in close pursuit. Officer Holcomb caught the burglar on the opposite side of the street in a vacant lot.

He took the burglar into custody by physically placing his hands on the suspect. Unbeknownst to Officer Holcomb, the burglar had a .38 revolver hidden on him. The burglar then shot Officer Holcomb who fell to the ground. The burglar then shot Officer Holcomb three or four more times while he lay helpless.