Patrolman Sherman L. Toler Jr.
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 5, 1986

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, March 5, 1986
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder

Patrolman Toler was shot and killed with his own weapon during a traffic stop on I-40 in Tucumcari. During the stop he requested to search the trunk of the suspect's vehicle and was granted permission. During the search the suspect and the Patrolman Toler began to argue and a struggle ensued in which both men fell to the ground.

The suspect gained control of Patrolman Toler's .357 caliber revolver, stood up, and shot Patrolman Toler five times at a range of five feet. Patrolman Toler's vest stopped several of the rounds. He then got up as well and pulled out a boot knife to defend himself, at which point the suspect struck him in the head with the revolver.

The suspect sped away but later turned himself in. It was determined that the suspect had his vehicle searched earlier in the day by another New Mexico State Police officer and had a history of fighting with police and had even been convicted of shooting a California officer during a traffic stop. The suspect was convicted of second degree murder.

Patrolman Toler had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.